WO2011087489A1

WO2011087489A1 - Carpet decor and setting solution compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2011087489A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/003236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ketan N. Shah; Glenn R. Frazee; James F. Kimball; Paul A. Clark; Russell O. Carlsen
Original assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-12-22
Filing date: 2010-12-22
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Also published as: US20100154146A1

Abstract

Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a decor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the decor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the decor product, the decor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the decor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the decor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The decor product may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the decor product to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.

Description

TITLE

CARPET DECOR AND SETTING SOLUTION COMPOSITIONS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/491,000, filed June 24, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/152,307, filed May 14, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 1 1/447,439, filed on June 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 60/687,953, filed June 7, 2005. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/166,933, filed July 2, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/152,307, filed May 14, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 1 1/447,439, filed on June 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 60/687,953, filed June 7, 2005. U.S. Application Serial Number 12/166,933 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/152,322, filed May 14, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 1 1/447,817, filed on June 6, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number.60/687,953, filed June 7, 2005. All of the proceeding applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0004] Enhancement of surfaces that may be permanently or temporarily re-designed, decorated, and/or re-colored is disclosed herein.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 2. Description of the Background of the Invention

[0005] Improving the aesthetics in homes has long been practiced by many consumers. There is a plethora of home products and techniques for cleaning surface areas of soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, draperies, curtains, upholstery, and the like. However, for more sullied and/or worn surfaces, subtractive processes (for example, a process that chemically or physically removes something from the carpet, such as cleaning or shaving) cannot truly restore the surface to its original state; this is often very frustrating for consumers. Oftentimes, spots and stains reappear after treatment.

[0006] Additive processes (for example, a process that layers, covers, or masks something undesirable underneath) and techniques for improving the aesthetics of surfaces include painting, faux painting, stenciling, bordering, wallpapering, tiling, wainscoting, paneling, decorative plastering, adding appliques (for example, pictures, cut-outs, stickers, or the like), laminating, and molding (for example, crown, shoe, and chair) are also known. However, these products and techniques have not been applied to soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, draperies, curtains, upholstery, and the like.

[0007] In some instances, color of worn, faded fabric is restored or rejuvenated with a composition containing water soluble and/or water dispersible polymers and a surfactant capable of forming a bilayer structure to provide a more durable color restoration and/or color rejuvenation benefit that lasts at least after one washing cycle, preferably at least after two or more washing cycles. The composition may be applied to the fabric by a spray container.

[0008] In other instances, a method of redyeing partially bleached fabric or garments includes dyeing the fabric or garment with a background color and then gathering an area to restrict access to further reagents. The gathered area is then bleached to remove the background colors from the area outside the gathered area and then the bleached areas are redyed with a second color.

[0009] In yet further instances, a digital printing device has a rotatable wheel, a liquid dispenser for depositing a liquid paint, ink, or dye on the wheel along an outer edge, and an air jet positioned adjacent the outer edge for removing the liquid from the outer edge and directing the liquid toward a print medium as the wheel rotates through the air jet. A plurality of devices is used to produce a full color digital image.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a composition includes about 0.01% to about 3% by weight of a foaming agent and about 3% to about 60% by weight of a solvent system including a glycol-based solvent and at least one supplemental component miscible with the glycol-based solvent and in an amount sufficient to increase the evaporation rate of the solvent system at standard temperature and pressure. The composition further includes an optional propellant including at least one of a pressurized gas or a hydrocarbon, greater than about 0.01% by weight of an anti-corrosive agent, and a liquid carrier.

[001 1] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for affixing a colorant to a surface includes applying an effective amount of a composition to a surface to affect a color change thereon. The composition includes a colorant, a surface-active agent, at least one of a polymer or a resin, and at least about 70 wt % of a liquid. The method further includes allowing the composition to substantially dry on the surface to form substantially dry particles greater , than about 1 micron in size attached to the surface and applying a solubilizing agent that includes a glycol-based solvent to the particles to achieve a film of the polymer or resin affixed to the surface.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for solubilizing a homogeneous particle includes applying a solvent system including a foaming agent, a glycol-based solvent, and at least one supplemental component- miscible with the glycol- based solvent and capable of increasing the evaporation rate of the solvent system at standard temperature and pressure to a composition that includes a surface-active agent and homogeneous particles having a colorant and at least one of a polymer or a resin. The method further includes allowing the homogeneous particles to be contacted by the solvent system for a sufficient period of time necessary to soften the homogeneous particles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one possible method of applying a decor product to a surface;

QB\510009.00717\943S479.1 [0014] FIG. la is a partial sectional view of an aerosol container for dispensing a decor product;

[0015] FIG. lb is an illustration of one possible method of applying a solubilizing composition to a surface;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a photomicrograph of applied decor particles on a surface;

[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of one possible method of affixing a decor product to a surface;

[0018] FIG. 3a is an illustration of another possible method of affixing a decor product to a surface;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a photomicrograph of a decor product affixed to a surface.;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a trimetric view of a design device incorporating multiple layers including support layers according to one embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5 depicting the design device;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a design device having a peripheral design as well as a cutout portion according to one embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a peg that may be used in a method for orientating a design device on a surface according to one embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a layout tool used to orient pegs on a surface according to one embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of pegs arrayed on a surface according to one embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 1 1 is a partial cutaway trimetric view a stencil-mounted peg interfacing with a second peg arrayed on a surface according to one embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of applying a design to a carpet;

[0028] FIG. 13 is plan view of a design device for use with the method of FIG. 12;

[0029] FIG. 13A is a bottom plan view of the design device of FIG. 13;

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [0030] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view depicting an alternate embodiment of the design device;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 15-15 of FIG. 13 depicting an alternative embodiment of the design device;

[0032] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a border design device, having a color-coding strip thereon, for use with the method of FIG. 12;

[0033] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a comer design device, having a color-coding strip thereon, for use with the method of FIG. 12;

[0034] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a first end design device, having a color-coding strip thereon, for use with the method of FIG. 12;

[0035] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a second end design device, having a color-coding strip thereon, for use with the method of FIG. 12;

[0036] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a placement of the comer design device of FIG. 17, according to a set of instructions;

[0037] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a placement of first and second border design devices of FIG. 16 according to a set of instructions;

[0038] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a placement of the first and second end design devices of FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively, according to a set of instructions;

[0039] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a decor product affixed to a carpet according to the placement of the design devices as disclosed in FIGS. 20-22;

[0040] FIG. 24 is a grid pattern for use with one or more design devices according to the method of FIG. 12; and

[0041] FIG. 25 is an illustration of a consumer aid according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations, for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. While several specific embodiments are discussed herein, it is understood that the

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 present disclosure is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

[0043] For example, a composition useful in the present disclosure includes a decor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. As discussed more fully below, if desired, the decor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the decor product, the decor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the decor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the decor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and or a chemical. The decor product may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the decor product to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.

[0044] Any surface is contemplated to which the decor product may be applied and/or affixed, including, for example, soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, draperies, curtains, upholstery, and the like. In addition, the decor product may be applied to hard surfaces as well, including, for example, wood, metal, ceramic, glass, a polymer, a hard floor tile, a painted surface, paper, masonry material, rock, a fiber/composite material, rubber, concrete, and the like. It is contemplated that the decor product may be applied to any prepared surface, including, for example, pre-dyed, post-dyed, pre-manufactured, and post- manufactured surfaces. Further, the decor product may be applied during the manufacturing process of a particular good or object that includes a surface in which the decor product may be applied. Surfaces to which the decor product may be applied and/or affixed may be substantially dry, substantially wet, moist, or humid depending on the particular decor product utilized. Further, a decor product of the present disclosure may be applied to a substantially flat, smooth, and or level surface or any other surface including rough, bumpy, non-smooth, stepped, sloped, slanted, inclined, declined, and/or disturbed surfaces.

[0045] Examples of carpets to which the decor product may be applied and/or affixed include modular tiles and panels such as Milliken LEGATO®, Milliken TESSERAE®, INTERFACEFLOR™, Tandus/C&A floorcovering, and from manufacturers such as

QB\S 10009.00717X9435479.1 ohawk Industries and Shaw Industries, Inc. Additional examples of carpets include broadloom carpets, cut pile (velvet/plush, Saxony, frieze, shag), loop pile (level loop, multilevel loop, and Berber), and cut and loop pile (random sheared and tip sheared) carpets. Additional examples of soft surfaces to which a decor product may be applied and/or affixed thereto include, for example, area rugs (hand woven or machine woven), draperies, curtains, upholstery, and cellulosic materials, among others. Constituent materials of candidate soft surfaces include, for example, natural fibers such as wool and cotton, or synthetic fibers such as nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polyester, polypropylene (olefin), and acrylic, among others.

[0046] Decor products of the present disclosure may be formulated, designed, produced, manufactured, applied, removed, and/or packaged by any formulaic, chemical, and/or physical preparation appropriate for the specific embodiment desired, as would only be limited by the inherent nature of the constituent ingredients. Illustrative formulations of the decor products include a solid that may be dissolved or dispersed in a liquid to make a liquid- based decor product, a liquid carrier, an emulsion, a suspension, a colloid, a sol, a dispersion, a solution, a gel, a paste, a foam, a powder, a spray, a tablet, a solid, a gas, a diluent such as water or other solvent, an aerosol, and combinations thereof. Examples of chemical preparations include polyester polymerizations, latex aggregation, chemical milling, and microencapsulization, and other methods known to those skilled in the art. Physical preparation may consist of physically grinding the decor product ingredients or other means known to those skilled in the art. Decor products may be either synthesized from a molecular route, in which polymer resin molecules incorporate colorants, dyes, and/or pigment particles at the molecular scale, such as in the method of manufacture used in chemically prepared toners, or the resin and pigment particles may be physically blended together and crushed to appropriate size by mechanical means known to those skilled in the art.

[0047] The decor product may be chosen based on any number of criteria, including, but not limited to the surface type, condition, and/or composition to which the decor product is applied and/or affixed thereto. Further criteria for choosing a decor product include desired lightfastness, color range, intensity, uniformity of colorant, and/or desired curative and/or fixation properties of the decor product. Additional choice factors include enhancement of the appearance and/or feel of the carpet or other surface, masking a stain (for example, by

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 laying an area rug-type decor product), or value adding to a surface (for example, to extend the life of a carpet).

[0048] A decor product useful in the present disclosure may comprise any one or combination of a colorant that includes, for example, a coloring agent, a dye, an ink, a toner, a paint, a patch, a carpet glitter, a fluorescent material, a composite thermal transfer sheet, a particle, a coating, a pigment, a luminescent material, a microparticle, magnetically responsive particles, a virtual colorant which is not colored until activated, and or a colorant with hybrid pigment molecules, an additive, and combinations thereof. Illustratively, a decor product composition contains a colorant in an amount of greater than about 0.01% or less than about 95%, or between about 0.01% to about 70%, or between about 0.03% to about 15%, or about 0.05% to about 10%, or between about 0.1% to about 5%, of the total weight of the decor product.

[0049] Any imaginable color of the decor product is contemplated in the present disclosure including, but not limited to cyan, yellow, magenta, black, green, orange, violet, blue, red, purple, white silver, gold, metallic, clear, neutral, or non-neutral, and any combination thereof. Color may be imparted to the decor product by combining varying amounts of monochromic decor product particles of different colors or by combining varying amounts of polychromic decor product particles having different colors. Further, a specific decor product color may be achieved by combining predetermined amounts of monochromic particles of different colors or by combining predetermined amounts of polychromic decor product particles of different colors. In this way, all imaginable colors may be incorporated into the decor product.

[0050] The decor product may also comprise a virtual colorant that is not apparently colored until activated and/or deactivated. As an example, phosphorous containing colorants may be incorporated into a decor product to add special effects via fluorescent properties. Further, virtual colorants may add special visual effects by altering the apparent decor appearance according to light intensity, light angle, angle of view, and/or illumination of the decor product. Such activation of the virtual colorant includes, for example, exposing a phosphorous containing virtual colorant to various wavelengths of light. As known to those skilled in the art, phosphor containing compounds luminesce or fluoresce when exposed to light. When exposed to visible light, phosphor gives off visible white light. Exposure of a

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 phosphor containing virtual colorant to sunlight may also make whites appear brighter because the ultraviolet light in sunlight gives the appearance that the whites in the virtual colorant glow brighter than "normal" white. When exposed to black light from, for example, a substantially ultraviolet-A wavelength emitting light bulb, phosphorous containing compounds glow with a purple hue. Black light can be provided, for example, from a tube black light that is basically a fluorescent lamp with a modified phosphor coating. This modified coating absorbs harmful shortwave ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-C wavelengths and emits ultraviolet-A wavelengths. The tube of the tube black light is black so as to block most visible light while emitting mostly long-wave ultraviolet-A wavelengths. Another useful type of black light includes black light provided from an incandescent black light bulb. The black light emitting incandescent black light bulb is similar to a normal household light bulb, but incorporates a filter that absorbs most visible light while emitting infrared and ultraviolet-A light.

[0051 ] In a further embodiment, decor products containing virtual colorants may serve as night lights, indicate routes from room to room, exit routes, and/or escape routes.

[0052] Any number of products may be used in the decor product to impart reversible coloring to a surface. Such products include, for example, dyes, toners, powder paints, inks, and combinations thereof. Examples of dyes that may be used include water-based dyes such as LIQU1DTAJNT™ and VERSATTNT® by Milliken Chemical Company. Examples of toners that may be used include reactive toners such as powder toners. Examples of useful powder toners include those that are available from Sawgrass Technologies, Inc., such as NATURA™ powder toners, as well as the formulations and/or compositions individually disclosed in the U.S. patents provided below in Table No. 1.

QB\510009.00717N943S479.1 Table No. 1. Powder toner formulations.

[0053] Toner particles useful in the present disclosure may have size characteristics of about 90% or more of the particles having a size less than about 100 microns, or less than about 25 microns, or less than about 10 microns, or from about 0.1 to about 50 microns, or from about 1 to about 20 microns, or from about 3 to about 10 microns, or from greater than about 750 nra to about 100 microns, or larger or smaller particle sizes depending on the desired application. In one embodiment, the toner particle melting point ranges from about 60°C or less, to about 150°C or higher, or from about 60°C to about 275°C, or from about 25°C to about 1 10°C, or from about 80°C to about 100°C.

[0054] Other toners, compositions, additives, and curing processes useful in the present disclosure are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,850,725. Yet other toners,

QB\510009.00717\943₅ 79.1 compositions, additives, and curing processes useful in the present disclosure are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,713,222. Still other toners, compositions, additives, and curing processes useful in the present disclosure are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,680,153.

[0055] Examples of powder paints that may be useful include those with epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, and hybrid chemistries either as additives or as decor particles, described hereinafter. An example of a hybrid chemistry contemplated for use is an epoxy- polyester hybrid, which is routinely used in the reactive powder coating industry. Typical particle sizes for powder paints can range, for example, from greater than about 20 microns to about 50 microns; however, for purposes of the present disclosure, larger and smaller sizes are contemplated and may depend on, for example, the reversibility and/or affixation properties desired. Typical powder paints may have melting point temperatures from around about 107°C to about 163°C to about 302°C; however, lower and higher temperatures are contemplated within the present disclosure.

[0056] Further, the decor product may comprise a colorant with a hybrid pigment particle. An example of a hybrid pigment particle may be, for example, a dye and pigment combination. In this embodiment, the pigment molecule may coat a fiber surface, while the dye molecule penetrates the fiber.

[0057] In another embodiment, the decor product is formulated to include one or more thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins, colorants, additives, and/or liquid carriers. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polymeric materials such as polyesters, unsaturated polyesters, styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyurethanes, styrene-acrylates, and/or acrylics. Illustratively, thermoplastic and/or thermoset resins that may be useful in the present disclosure have a melting point of about 260°C or less, for example. In addition, epoxy- functional acrylic copolymers or epoxy acrylics may be used. For example, epoxy-functional acrylic copolymers may include monomers of glycidyl methacrylate and/or glycidyl acrylate.

[0058] In another embodiment, the decor product may include encapsulated decor product particles including, for example, nanoencapsulated, microencapsulated, macroencapsulated, and compartmentalized particles. Illustratively, microencapsulated decor product particles may include, for example, one or more outer shells, one or more inner compartments, one or more colorants, and/or one or more additives. The one or more

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 colorants and/or one or more additives may be in the same or different compartments. This microencapsulated decor product particle may, for example, provide advantages such as to lengthen the shelf-life of the decor product, enhance decor product compatibility with delivery systems, promote bonding of the decor product to the surface, promote removability of the decor product from surfaces before and/or after fixation, and/or promote thermal fixation of the decor product to a surface. Other benefits associated with encapsulation of compounds include, for example, timed release of compounds, and buffering systems, among others known to those skilled in the art, and are contemplated in the present disclosure. The compartmentalized and/or microencapsulated decor product particles may have multiple distinct regions of equal and/or differing sizes containing the same and/or differing substances, such as, for example, one or more solids, one or more liquids, one or more gases, and/or combinations thereof. As an example, microencapsulation technologies useful in the present disclosure are provided by Microtek Laboratories, Inc.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the decor product may include a removable paint and/or surface coating. In this regard, the decor product may be removable via wet-chemistries, such as ammonia-based, acid-based, and/or water-based chemistries. Illustratively, the decor product may be a liquid with one or more surfactants, zinc oxide, and/or one or more colored pigments. The decor product of the present embodiment may be removed by, for example, a weak acid, a buffering agent, a mildly alkaline solution, a polar or non-polar solution, a detergent, a soap, an alcohol, and/or a solid compound, and/or combinations thereof.

[0060] Illustrative ammonia-based chemistries useful in the present disclosure include those supplied by Missouri Turf Paint (for example, TITAN™ Removable), or by Pioneer, or by Sports Coatings, or by Specialist Group. Acid-based chemistries useful in the decor product of the present disclosure include those supplied by Remarkable Paint Company, and include, for example, those found in RE-MARKABLE® Paint. Additional remarkable field paints useful in the present disclosure include those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,253,140. Other useful examples of remarkable field paints in the present disclosure include those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,653,265. Additional examples of strippable ammonia formulations useful in a decor product of the present disclosure include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,041,488 and those that include susceptible

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 styrene/acrylic compounds. Other useful water-based dyes and compositions include those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,834,589.

[0061] Water-based chemistries useful in the present disclosure include those supplied by Magic Colors Company (for example, Remove It Permanent Paint System). It is further contemplated that aqueous fabric paints and/or paint systems may be useful in the decor product embodiments of the present disclosure. Examples of aqueous fabric paints useful in the present disclosure include, for example, Jacquard Products including Jacquard Textile Colors, DYE-NA-FLOW™, and NEOPAGUE™, Marabu-Textil made by Marabuwerke GmbH & Co. KG, and SIMPLY SPRAY™ available from Sunshine Joy Distributing. Wet- erase inks removable by solvents after short or extended periods of time that can be used on multiple surfaces are also useful in the present disclosure. Such wet-erase inks may incorporate water-soluble binders, cellulose derivatives, and/or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (also known as polyvinyl pyrrolidinone) available from ISP Technologies, Inc. may improve the setting properties of compositions of the present disclosure.

[0062] Additional embodiments may incorporate dry erase inks, peelable and/or strippable coatings, alkali soluble resins, and various value adding chemistries disclosed herein. Examples of dry-erase inks, compositions, and applicators thereof may include those provided by ITW Dymon, Pilot Pen Corp., Sanford Corp., Avery Dennison Corp., Binney & Smith Inc., and Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc. Other dry erase inks, compositions, and applicators that may be useful in the present disclosure include those disclosed in, for ' example, U.S. Patent No. 6,031,023.

[0063] Additional useful formulations of the present disclosure include peelable and/or strippable coatings made by Spraylat International, LTD. In addition, it is contemplated that the decor product may include a thermally releasable coating and/or blowing agent to aid in the removal of the affixed decor product. An example of thermally releasable coatings and blowing agents useful in the present disclosure includes those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,010,131. Other coatings useful in the present disclosure include nanoparticle coating compositions disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,872,444.

[0064] In another embodiment, the decor product incorporates alkali soluble resin systems. Examples alkali resin systems include styrene/maleic anhydride, styrene/acrylic and

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 methacrylic acid, isobutylene/maleic anhydride . copolymers, and proprionic acid-modified urethanes. Alkali resin systems useful in the present disclosure are available from companies such as BASF Corp., Kuraray Co., LTD, Johnson Polymer, Rohm and Haas Co., Interpolymer Corp., Scott Bader Co., LTD, Sartomer Co., and DSM NeoResins, among others. Examples of useful additives for alkali soluble resin systems include divalent zinc salts. Other useful alkali soluble resin systems are further disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,147,041. Additional alkali soluble resin systems include, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,453,459.

[0065] Further embodiments of the present disclosure may incorporate value adding chemistries including powder coatings, toner and/or ink chemistries, carpet stain removers and/or maskers, odor eliminators and/or absorbers, bleaching agents. Compositions, methods of carpet stain removing and/or masking, methods of composition affixation, design aids, including stencils, and dispensing devices useful in the present disclosure include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2007/0014921, 2007/0089621, 2006/02288499, and 2006-0276367, each filed on June 6, 2006, and Attorney Docket Nos. J-4960, J-4968, and J-4988, each filed on May 14, 2008, all of which are incorporated by reference. Further, technologies used in aftermarket carpet dyeing in the automotive industry may be useful in the present disclosure, including, for example, the "Pro Dye System" available from Top of the Line. An additional contemplated chemistry includes ultraviolet radiation cross-linking agents that crosslink decor product particles in preparation for affixation of the decor product to a surface or removal therefrom.

[0066] In other embodiments, a decor product contemplated in the present disclosure may include one or more additives that may be incorporated, for example, during formulation, added post-formulation prior to application of the decor product to a surface, and/or after the decor product has been applied to the surface. Illustrative additives useful in the present disclosure include, for example, a filler, a metallic particle, an adhesive, a binder, a toner, a resin such as an acrylic, an acrylic latex, a polyester, a urethane, and/or an epoxy resin, a carrier, a wax, a charge additive, a protein, an overcoating lacquer such as an ultraviolet initiator, an ultraviolet light absorber, an ultraviolet stabilizer, an ultraviolet blocker, a fluorescent brightener, an antifoaming agent, an anticlogging agent, a stabilizer, a thickening agent, anti-wicking additives, a dry powder, a surfactant, a wetting agent, an emulsifier, a

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 coating, a dispersing agent, a perfume, a fragrance, a pigment, a dye, a preservative, a solvent, a lubricant, a fluidity improver, a flow additive, a humectant, a propellant (for example, a pressurized gas such as nitrogen gas, or similar gas, or a hydrocarbon based propellant such as butane, isobutane, and propane), an inorganic particulate additive, magnetically responsive microparticles, temporal emission agents, additives providing a safety benefit, additives providing a surface protection benefit, electrical additives, interactive sensory additives, a degassing agent, an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a wax, a silicone additive, a catalyst, a texturing agent, an electrical charge control agent, an electrical conductivity agent, a processing aid, a dry powder of a metal salt, a metal salt of a fatty acid, a colloidal silica, an inductive ingredient, and/or a metal oxide, and combinations thereof. Illustratively, a decor product composition contains an additive in an amount of greater than about 0.1%, or less than about 75%, or between about 0% to about 50%, or between about 0.001%) to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%, or between about 0.1% to about 5%, of the total weight of the decor product.

[0067] Catalysts contemplated in the present disclosure include, for example, phenolic curatives, glycidyl curatives, stannous organic catalysts, triphenylethyl phosphonium bromide, heterocyclic nitrogen compounds, epoxy acids, epoxy amidines, epoxy anhydride catalysts, dicyandiamides, uretdiones, aminoplasts, blocked isocyanates, triethyleneamines, triethylenediamines, tribenzylamines, tertiary amines, quaternary amines, polyamines, and modified polyamines. Suitable polyamines for use in the present disclosure include, for example, hydrazide compounds. An example of a suitable hydrazide compound includes isophthalic dihydrazide (CAS No. 2760-98-7). Suitable modified polyamines include, for example, modified cycloaliphatic amines, such as Ancamine® 2441 (available from Air Products and Chemicals Inc.). Suitable examples of glycidyl catalysts/curatives contemplated for use in the present disclosure include carboxylic acid-related curatives. For example, a glycidyl curative considered for use herein may include two or more carboxylic acids groups, such as, for example, a dodecane dicarboxylic acid. Further examples of carboxylic acid-related curatives include phthalic acid curatives, trimellitic anhydride, and benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, among others. Combinations of the disclosed catalysts may also be used in the compositions disclosed herein.

QB^ 10009.00717X9435479.1 [0068] Humectants may be used to stabilize decor product compositions, including suspensions and/or emulsions and further modify flow properties of such formulations. Examples of humectants contemplated herein include propylene glycols, ethylene glycols, butylene glycols, pentane diols, glycerines, ureas, and the like. Suitable propylene glycols considered for use herein are available from BASF. Suitable anticlogging agent includes high molecular weight polyethylene glycols.

[0069] An adhesive or binder may include resin particles chosen to exhibit a glass transition temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature of resins employed in the color toners. Adhesives and/or binders with lower glass transition temperatures may positively affect the aesthetic feel of the decor after affixation. In addition, such adhesives and/or binders may augment the stability of a composition prepared as an emulsion and provide greater mechanical bonding of the decor product to carpet fibers including, for example, elastomeric materials including styrene/isoprene, styrene butadiene, and isobutylene. Adhesives and binders may also be selected based on the reversibility on a soft surface, including, for example, nylon and polyester carpets, before and/or after a curing step, such as, for example, Lyoprint PTU (formerly Alcoprint® PTU from Ciba Geigy) available from Huntsman. Adhesives and binders may further be selected based on their ability to stabilize decor product compositions, acting as thickeners, as well as their ability to promote adhesion between decor particles and a soft surface. For example, an acrylic acid copolymer, such as is commercially available as Lyoprint PTU-US from Huntsman International, LLC may be used as a thickener in the present disclosure.

[0070] A high level of retention after curing may also be desirable in certain applications. Examples of adhesives useful in the present disclosure include polymeric resins and may provide a laminating adhesive between a polymeric resin particle and/or between a soft surface and the polymeric resin particle. In one embodiment, the polymeric resin, for example, a toner such as a clear toner, may also act as an adhesive. Examples of adhesives and binders useful in the present disclosure include STYRONAL® ND 656, a styrene butadiene copolymer latex from BASF Corp., and INCOREZ® W2450, a urethane/acrylic emulsion from Industrial Copolymers Unlimited in the UK. Other resins useful in the present disclosure include, for example, crosslinked terpolymers of styrene, aery late ester, and acrylonitrile available from Zeon Chemical L.P., which include toner resins S-103C and S-

QB\5 10009.00717X9435479.1 1 1 1, and styrene-acrylic resins available from Sekisui Chemicals Co. LTD, including S-LEC resin that is based on a styrene and acrylic copolymer. Other resins useful in the present disclosure include, for example, styrene/butadiene, styrene butyl acrylate, styrene/2- ethylhexyl acrylate, and styrene butylacrylate resins available from Elikem, including those under the PLIOTONE™ trade name. Polyester resins may offer lower temperature fusing than styrene/acrylates or styrene/butadiene resins permitting the application of less heat to the decor product and/or the soft surface. Illustrative polyester resins include thermoset polyesters, unsaturated polyester resins, such as, orthophthalic, isophthalic, dicyclopentadiene, and bisphenol A furnarate resins, and those available from, for example, Kao Specialties Americas, LLC. Polyurethane resins, including those based on an exothermic reaction of an organic polyisocyanate with a polyol, are also useful in the present disclosure. Illustratively, a decor product composition contains an adhesive in an amount of greater than about 0.1%, or less than about 75%, or between about 0% to about 50%, or between about 0.001% to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%, or between about 0.1% to about 5%, of the total weight of the decor product.

[0071] Illustrative stabilizers include a benzophenone, a benzotriazole, a salicylate, a nickel organic, a monobenzoate, a formamidene, an oxalanilide and/or a phenol. Examples of an ultraviolet stabilizer that provides enhanced protection against ultraviolet light includes those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,152,038. Examples of thickening agents useful in the present disclosure include those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,752,841. Examples of anti-wicking additives useful in the present disclosure can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,116,682.

[0072] Another embodiment contemplated in the present disclosure may incorporate one or more surface-active (surfactant) agents, for example, emulsifiers. The use of surfactants in the decor product may promote colorant and or filler wetting, as well as improve flow and leveling of the powder finish. In addition, surfactants promote substrate wet-out during the cure reaction, which improves adhesion and corrosion resistance of the decor product. The addition of surfactants may increase the gloss and distinctness of images of the cured decor product, as well. The addition of one or more surfactants may act to stabilize the decor product formulation, as well as to assist in suspending the particles of a decor product formulation and attaching the decor product to a surface. Surfactants useful in the present

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 disclosure include ionic, nonionic, and/or cationic surfactants. Emulsifiers and or emulsifying agents useful herein include Lyoprint™ PTU-US, the JONCRYL™ series of emulsifying agents available from Johnson Polymer, and others known to those skilled in the art including, for example, adhesive formulations and latex formulations. Other examples of suitable emulsifiers include sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium laurylsulfate, or ammonium laurylsulfate, including, for example TRITON™ 100 (octylphenoxypolyethoxy-ethanol- polyethylene glycol). Illustrative examples of cationic surfactants include dodecyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl pyridinium chloride, dodecyl pyridinium bromide, and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. Illustrative examples of anionic surfactants include aliphatic soap such as sodium stearate, sodium dodecanate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Illustrative examples of nonionic surfactants include poly-oxyethylenedodecyl ether, polyoxyethylenehexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylenenonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylenelauryl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoleate ether, and monodecanoyl sucrose. Illustratively, a decor product composition contains a surfactant in an amount of greater than about 0.001%, or less than about 75%, or between about 0.001% to about 50%, or between about 0.1% to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%, or between about 0.1% to about 5% of the total weight of the decor product.

[0073] A fluidity improver useful herein includes, for example, styrene resin, acrylic resin, finely divided hydrophobic silica powder, finely divided titanium oxide powder and finely divided aluminum oxide powder. Further additives may serve as fiber wetting promoters, fiber drying promoters, fiber cleaners, and fiber cleaning promoters. A formulation of the present disclosure may also contain an inorganic particulate material such as, for example, magnetite, ferrite, cerium oxide, strontium titanate and/or electrically conductive titania.

[0074] The decor product may include magnetically responsive microparticles with or without colorant. In this embodiment, the decor product may be applied using a static charge and/or magnetically directed force. As an example, iron oxide and/or other magnetic particles known to those in the art form a part of the formulation rendering the decor product magnetically responsive. The magnetically responsive property may be '^■ used for further

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 placement onto the fiber and/or for enhanced removal from the fiber and/or to aid with aesthetic considerations such as creating designs and/or patterns.

[0075] Further, the decor product envisioned in the present disclosure may have additives designed to impart additional non-visual benefits such as fragrancing and aromatherapy. Further additives may include temporal emission agents, for example, short- or long-term emission agents, such as spot cleaners and odor eliminators, and the like.

[0076] Further, the decor product may include bioactive agent additives such as bactericides, miticides, insecticides, pesticides, and/or fungicides, which are released over periods of seconds to minutes to hours to days to weeks to months to years. An example of a bioactive agent, such as a biocide, contemplated for use in compositions of the present disclosure includes isothiazolinone-based biocides, such as Acticide® MBL 5515, available from Acti-Chem Specialties, Inc. (Trumbull, CT).

[0077] Further, the decor product may incorporate additives such as fire retardants and anti-slip agents. Further, the applied decor product may serve to protect the surface areas to which it is affixed from stains, chips, dents, rips, blemishes, burns, splintering, abrasion, cuts, rust, oxidation, water damage, mold, and/or dirt. Further, the applied decor product may serve as an electrical insulator, for example, to reduce static electrical charges.

[0078] In another embodiment, a decor product of the present disclosure may incorporate interactive sensory elements that interact with one or more senses of the user. Examples of interactive elements include mood lighting, sound (for example, music, indicative sound, or instructive sound), and scent (for example, fragrance emitters, deodorizers, and/or odiferous pet barriers only detectable by animals).

[0079] Illustratively, a formulation of a decor product, for example, an emulsion, contains on a weight to weight basis, at least one of: 1) a surface-active agent in an amount of greater than about 0.1%, or less than about 75%, or between about 0% to about 50%, or between about 0.001% to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%; or between about 0.1% to about 5%; 2) an adhesive agent in an amount of greater than about 0.1 % or less than about 75%, or between about 0% to about 50%, or between about 0.001% to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%; or between about 0.1% to about 5%; 3) a colorant in an amount of greater than about 0.01% or less than about 95%, or between about 0.01% to about 70%, or

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 between about 0.03% to about 15%, or about 0.05% to about 10%; or between about 0.1 % to about 5%; 4) an additive in an amount of greater than about 0.1%, or less than about 75%, or between about 0% to about 50%, or between about 0.001% to about 30%, or between about 0.01% to about 10%; or between about 0.1% to about 5%; and 5) the balance water.

[0080] Further, a formulation of a decor product, for example, a rheology modifier- containing composition contains on a weight to weight basis, at least one of: 1) a thickener in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 1%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.7%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.12% to about 0.3%; or about 0.7%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.1%; 2) a gum in an amount of from about 0.01%) to about 1%, or from about 0.03% to about 0.3%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.07%, or about 0.05%; 3) a clay in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%, or from about 0.05% to about 3%, or from about 0.5% to about 2%), or from about 1% to about 1.5%; or about 3.5%, or about 2.5%, or about 1.75%, or about 1.16%, or about 1%; 4) a surfactant in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%, or from about 0.05% to about 4%, or from about 0.15% to about 3.5%, from about 0.07% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1 % to about 0.75%; or about 5%, or about 4%, or about 3%, or about 1.5%, or about 1%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.1%; 5) a humectant in an amount of from about 0% to about 2%, or from about 0.1% to about 1.75%, or from about 0.25% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.75% to about 1.25%; or about 1.75%, or about 1.5%, or about 1.25%, or about 1%, or about 0.75%; 6) one or more anticorrosive agents in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 3%,: or from about 0.05% to about 2%, or from about 0.1% to about 1%, or from about 0.15% to about 0.5%; or about 0.35%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.1 %; 7) a biocide in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 2%, or from about 0.02% to about 1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, or about 1.5%, or about 1.25%, or about 1%, or about 0.75%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.2%, or about 0.1%; 8) a colorant in an amount of from about 1% to about 50%, or from about 2% to about 25%, or from about 3% to about 10%, or about 50%, or about 30%, or about 25%, or about 15%, or about 8%o, or about 6%, or about 5% or about 3%; or about 1%; and 9) the balance water.

[0081] Further, a rheology modifier containing composition may include a fluid matrix component including a rheology modifier and a multi-component suspension stabilizer. Fluid matrix components may be present in a range from about 0.3% to about 14% in the decor

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 product. Further, the multi-component suspension stabilizer may include components such as acrylic acid copolymers and surfactants, among others.

[0082] A clear toner may also be included in a decor product composition of the present disclosure in an amount equivalent to, for example, the amount of the colorant. For example, in a toner formulation having 10% by weight a colorant, an additional 10% by weight of the toner formulation contains a clear toner. Illustratively, in a toner formulation with about 0.5% w/w yellow colorant, about 0.4%» w/w magenta colorant, and about 0.2% blue colorant, the toner formulation also contains about 1.1% clear toner. In another example, an emulsifier contains about 100 grams of water, about 1 gram of yellow NATURA™ toner, about 0.4 grams of blue NATURA™ toner, about 0.8 grams of magenta NATURA™ toner, about 2.2 grams of clear NATURA™ toner, and about 0.33 grams of Lyoprint™ PTU-US. An emulsion of the present disclosure may be made by mixing the various components of the emulsion for a period of time until the particles of the emulsion are coated with the emulsifying agent or agents. The coating of the particles may enhance the stability of the formulation. The mixing time depends on the particular components utilized in a formulation and can range from, for example, from about 1 minute or less to about 48 hours, or longer.

[0083] In another embodiment, the decor product may be formulated as a stain-removing and masking agent containing a base color such as a white and/or neutral color and/or other color onto which additional desired colors may be overlain. Illustratively, the decor product may contain a pH neutralizing and/or adjusting pretreatment compound such as, for example, a peroxide and/or a bleach, and/or a titanium dioxide-type neutral color application. The decor product may further include a stain-masking agent and/or coloring agent as disclosed herein. Another embodiment contemplates the application of a highly pigmented coating that has a white and/or neutral color that provides a mask and/or hides a color difference (for example, a stain) on a surface. Further, another material with a color matching the bulk fiber of the surface (for example, a carpet or textile) may be applied subsequent to the masking of the stain.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, a decor product composition may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) from below about 25°C up to the melting temperature (Tm) of the surface substrate to which it is to be applied. In a further embodiment, the Tg ranges from about 45°C to about 75°C, or from about 45°C to about 60°C, or from about 45°C to about

QB 10009.00717\943₅479.1 70°C, or about 55°C. The Tg and Tm of a composition or a surface substrate may be measured by methods known to those skilled in the art including, for example, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Illustratively, Tg and Tm values of decor products and surface substrates may be determined using a Model Q100 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TA Instruments, Inc.) at a heating rate of 20°C/min.

[0085] In still another embodiment, the decor product composition has an Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) cone and plate viscosity of equal to or less than about 2,000 centipoises, or about 5 centipoises to about 100 centipoises, or about 15 centipoises to about 50 centipoises, or about 25 centipoises, or about 35 centipoises at about 150°C to about 200°C. The viscosity of a composition may by measured by methods known to those skilled in the art, including for example, using a Wells-Brookfield Cone/Plate viscometer distributed by Can-Am Instruments LTD and following methods as set forth in D4287-00(2005) "Standard Test Method for High-Shear Viscosity Using a Cone/Plate Viscometer," ASTM International. Further, a Brookfield CAP 2000H Cone and Plate Viscometer (available from Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.) set at 750 rpm for 25 seconds using a size six spindle may be used to measure the ICI Cone and Plate viscosity of the decor product composition.

[0086] In yet a further embodiment, decor product compositions may have viscosity ranges as measured on a Brookfield LV Viscometer at spindle rotational speeds of 0.3, 0.6, and 60 rpm of about 100 to about 17000, about 100 to about 13000, and about 50 to about 700 centipoises, respectively. For example, a representative decor product formulation may have a viscosity of about 8100 centipoises at 0.3 rpm, of about 5500 centipoises at 0.6 rpm, and about 250 centipoises at 60 rpm.

[0087] Application of the decor product contemplated in the present disclosure may occur by any appropriate way that is compatible with the decor product formulation utilized. Illustrative ways to apply the decor product to a surface include the use of an ink jet printer, a jet dye process, silk screening, and/or rotary printing. Further, the decor product may be applied and or dispensed with and/or by a spray gun, a sheet, a film, a matrix, a roller, a brush, a marker, a pen, a stamp such as a self-inking stamp, a pump sprayer, a trigger sprayer, a pressurized spraying device, a sponge, a squeegee, an airbrush, a fiber separator, a dye

QB\510009.00717\9435 79.1 applicator, a roller, piezoelectric or heat driven delivery, a manual or electronic sifter, a powder "puff", a felted flocked brush, a magnet, and/or a powder paint dispenser. The decor product may be applied in a wet form, such as, for example, as a suspension or emulsion including, for example, a liquid-based solvent, a foam, a spray, a stream, a wet aerosol, or in a dry form, such as, for example, as a powder, a dry aerosol, and/or a powder with a gentle mist.

[0088] By way of example, one possible method of applying a decor product to a selected surface is generally depicted in FIG. 1. Here, a finger pump sprayer 12 including a reservoir 14 for holding the decor product and finger pump 16 is used to apply a generally cone-shaped dispersion 18 of decor product to a surface 20 such as a carpet. In this embodiment, by varying the distance of the finger pump sprayer 12 from the surface 20 and angle of the finger pump sprayer relative to the surface, the size and shape of the pattern 22 imparted to the surface may be varied. In this way, a preselected pattern may be imparted to a surface using a "free-hand" technique without a design device.

[0089] In another example, a decor product may be applied to a selected surface as generally depicted in FIG. lb. Here, an aerosol dispenser 3020 including a reservoir including a solid container body 3021 for holding the decor product and an aerosol valve 3025 is used to apply a generally cone-shaped dispersion 18 of decor product to a surface 20 such as a carpet.

[0090] Additional examples of applicators and/or dispensers of the decor product of the present disclosure include, for example, an intermittent pressurized sprayer (such as PULL 'N SPRAY® liquid applicator marketed by The Scotts and Miracle-Gro Company), an actuator spray bottle, a trigger sprayer, a mechanical spray bottle, a squirt bottle for thin liquid stream, a pump and/or pump system, a liquid refill containing the decor product for a pressurized air chamber, an aerosol barrier pack containing the decor product with a driving chamber (with a propellant, for example, carbon dioxide or a hydrocarbon), and a liquid or gel chamber for containing the decor product where use would allow pressurized spraying with reduced propellant release to the atmosphere or room being decorated by the user. Other useful sprayers include those disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,872,444.

[0091] For example, FIG. l a illustrates an aerosol container 3020 in an inverted position with a solid container body 3021 that terminates at a lower rim 3022 (a dispensing end) that

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 is sealably connected to a mounting cup 3023, which accommodates a valve stem 3024 that forms part of an overall aerosol valve 3025 that further includes a valve body 3026. Valve stems contemplated in the present disclosure may further include means for dispensing a decor product, such as, for example, an actuator button affixed to the valve stem, an aerosol over cap, a trigger actuator, a ti liable valve, a rotary valve, an automated valve, such as a solenoid driven valve, and others known in the art.

[0092] The container 3021 may accommodate a decor product 3031 and a propellant 3032, as described herein, for application to a surface. A conically-shaped mesh filter element 3040 may be attached to an inlet end 3041 of the valve body 3026 and includes a plurality of pores or holes shown schematically at 3063. Pore sizes of the filter element 3040 may be at least as large as the average diameter of the substantially homogeneous particles contained within the container 3021 , and illustratively may range from about 100 to about 500 microns, or from about 80 to about 500 microns in diameter. The number of pores 3063 in the filter element 3040 may range from about 100 to about 500 per area. The mesh filter element 3040 includes a flange portion 3064 that rests or engages the rim or wall 3065 of the lower valve body 3026 to prevent decor product from bypassing the mesh filter element and potentially clogging the valve stem. Filter geometries other than conical shapes are contemplated that could be attached or otherwise integrally molded into the valve body 3026, such as slotted valves with dummy diptubes for handling during manufacture.

[0093] Still further other ways to distribute the decor product include, for example, a decor product impregnated sheet that contains entrapped dry or wet decor product particles that when wetted or otherwise activated, releases the decor product onto the surface. Another example includes a decor product impregnated sheet containing entrapped liquid that releases the decor product onto the surface upon pressure application or controlled puncture. A further example includes a decor product impregnated sheet with liquid rolled or stamped thereon that promotes even distribution of the decor product. Still another example includes an apertured or perforated decor product impregnated film that collects and/or directs a releasing substance that once applied to the film releases the decor product onto a surface. Yet another example includes a decor product impregnated matrix containing, therein and/or thereon entrapped decor product formulation that releases the decor product onto a surface upon pressure, vibration, liquid transfer, heat application, and/or chemical means and/or by

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 an electrostatic or magnetic deposition device that meters an amount of decor product to be applied to a surface and precisely lays the decor product on the surface.

[0094] Still further ways for application of the decor product include a multiple chamber system that mixes the. decor product upon dispensing to give the desired decor product color or other characteristic, such as are exemplified in part by trigger release systems (for example, DLS100, DLS 200, or Versitech systems manufactured by Take 5, Anaheim, California (www.take5net.com)), pump systems (for example, VERSADIAL® manufactured by Versadial, New York, New York, a company under the Sea Change Group) (www.versadialworld.com)), or a multichamber mixer/dispenser that is combined with a decor product applicator (for example, a brush, a spray bottle, or other applicator). Further, premixed ready-to-use bottles and/or spray cans may be used to distribute and apply the decor product.

[0095] Additional technologies contemplated for application and/or dispersion of the decor product include multifunctional devices, such as, for example, a device that combines packaging, design positioning, decor product application, and/or removal of a design device from a surface. For example, in one embodiment, a design device, for example, a stencil contains the decor product, which can be released onto a surface by applying a releasing agent, such as water, to the stencil. As an example, the use of a dry decor product may be reversibly attached to a stencil by means of a water-soluble adhesive or the decor product may be attached to a sticky side of a water-soluble transparent film. Further technologies contemplated include sprayers that impart charges to colorant droplets and or stencils (similar to powder painting), sponging, and felt tip pens and liners.

[0096] The decor product in one embodiment may be applied using heat transfer technology including, for example, that used by color copying machines such as a Xerox DOCUCOLOR™ 12 printing onto Xerox 3R5811 or another similar transfer paper and/or similar combinations of materials provided by Hewlett Packard, Canon, Geo Knight & Co, Avery Dennison, and 3M.

[0097] Differing application factors are contemplated for encapsulated decor product particles including control release, temperature release, concentration release, and any other release mechanism known to those skilled in the art. For example, release of the contents of a microencapsulated decor product particle contents may be triggered by changes in pH, such

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 as by applying a common solvent such as, for example, an ammonia-containing solution. Examples of a temperature release mechanism include exposure of the microencapsulated decor product particles to a temperature above a release threshold, where the release of the microencapsulated decor product particle contents only occurs above the predetermined threshold temperature. A concentration release application may apply a portion of a colorant to the surface over an extended period of time to render a more evenly distributed and/or more thoroughly distributed appearance of the colorant to a surface. Illustratively, a microencapsulated decor product particle with a polymer resin particle shell and containing trapped colorant particles and/or other compounds disclosed herein may be activated by thermal activation and/or specific chemistry-related activation (including, for example pH modulation using, for example, ammonia). As such, the outer polymer shell would melt and/or dissolve, and the colorant particles and/or other microparticle contents may be allowed to flow and thus be applied to the surface. Nonexclusive examples of release mechanisms useful in the present disclosure include those found in U.S. Patent No. 6,893,662. Additional release mechanisms contemplated for treating of the microencapsulated decor particle result in at least one of breaking, heating, weakening, and/or dissolving one or more shells of a decor particle.

[0098] A decor product once applied and/or affixed to the surface may be temporary, permanent, and/or semi-permanent. An example of a semi-permanent decor product includes a decor product with a temporary adhesive that adheres and/or attaches a decor particle to the surface. Such a formulation may provide short term durability, for example, hours to weeks, of the decor product on a surface by substantially adhering and/or attaching the decor product thereon. In one embodiment, short term durability allows the decor product to be applied to a surface for an occasion, special event, and/or holiday without the decor product needing to be affixed to the surface and at the same time being easily removable therefrom. An example of decor product attachment to a surface is seen in FIG. 2, which is a scanning electron micrograph showing dry decor particles 32 attached to an individual nylon carpet fiber 34.

[0099] Removal of the decor product from the surface may be either through dry removal methods or wet removal methods such as through using various devices and methods including, for example, a vacuum, a vacuum combined with mechanical action such as agitation, wet extraction, steam cleaning, chemical application (for example, applying an

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 organic or inorganic solvent), using an ultrasound process, using detergents, using dilute ammonia solutions, and/or using an abrasive eraser. Some or all of the aforementioned processes may be employed to remove the decor product prior to and/or after setting, affixing, and/or curing of the decor product on or to the surface.

[00100] By way of example, reversibility (removability) of a decor product applied to a surface may be determined in the following manner. Initially, a test surface, such as, for example, a two-foot by two-foot square piece of nylon and/or polyester carpet is thoroughly cleaned using an upright vacuum cleaner (for example, a Bissell CLEANVIEW® II vacuum cleaner, manufactured by Bissell Homecare, Inc.) to remove loose fibers and/or dirt. The baseline color of each of three spots over which the decor product is applied is determined using a colorimeter such as a Minolta data processor model DP-301 combined with a Minolta model CR-310 chroma meter (both manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.) set to the "L - a - b" setting to allow determination of ΔΕ (color change) and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[00101] The decor product is applied using, for example, a finger pump (output 60 micron particle size) onto the surface of the three spots until the test area is completely saturated. The decor product is allowed to substantially dry to the touch, which is typically overnight to assure complete drying, though shorter or longer periods may be used depending on, for example, the relative humidity and/or temperature of the ambient environment. After the decor product is dry, the color of each of the three spots is determined using the colorimeter as mentioned above. Subsequently, the three spots are vacuumed using a wet/dry vacuum with a hose attachment and brushless triangular tool, such as, for example, a Shop-Vac® lxl portable wet/dry vacuum 12 V 60Hz, 5.5 A, model 2101 A (manufactured by Shop- Vac, Inc.). The three spots are vacuumed in one direction several times and repeated in the other direction for a period of to ensure adequate removal. After vacuuming, a colorimeter measurement is taken to determine the change in color. Change in color (Δ E) was determined using the following formula:

ΔΕ = V((L, - )² + (a, - a₂)² + (b, - b₂)²) where "L" refers to "lightness" with values of 0 = black to 100 = white; increasing "a" values indicate more red color and decreasing "a" values indicate more green color; and increasing

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 "b" values indicate more yellow color and decreasing "b" values indicate more blue color. As an alternative, a CIElab coordinate system may be used (Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.).

[00102] Illustratively, a substantially removable decor product has a ΔΕ value as compared to the initial reading of an untreated carpet of less than about 20, or less than about 10, or less than about 7.5, or in the range of about 0 to about 15.

[00103] Factors that may affect reversibility of the decor product from a surface may include, for example, decor product specific factors, application specific factors, and/or surface specific factors. Examples of decor product specific factors may include the type and/or concentration of emulsifier included in the decor product formulation, which may affect adherent interactions between the decor product and the surface to which the decor product is applied thereto. Further, when the decor product composition includes a particulate component, for example, a decor particle, the reversibility of the decor product may be affected by the size of the particle. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that smaller particle size may affect reversibility due to possible greater penetration of the particles into recesses and interstices of a non-smooth surface such as carpet, thus reducing access to the smaller particles for the subsequent removal process.

[00104] Application specific factors that may affect reversibility include the extent of surface saturation when applying the decor product to the surface and the method and/or device used to apply the decor product to the surface. Surface saturation includes, for example, the density of applied decor product on the surface. Greater surface saturation may lead to an increased likelihood of residual decor product remaining after removing the major portion of decor product applied to the surface, and/or greater penetration of the decor product into the recesses and interstices of the surface thereby reducing accessibility of the removal process to the decor products. Further, the method and/or application device used to apply the decor product may affect reversibility. Illustratively, the decor product may be applied to a surface in a fashion to coat the surface with little to no surface penetration. For example, an applicator that applies the decor product in a mist, such as by a finger pump with a 60 micron or less spray nozzle, may be used to coat the surface with little or no penetration of the interstices of the surface. In this example, decor product reversibility may be improved owing to the minimal surface penetration of the decor product. However, if it is desired to

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 apply the decor product with an aerosol and/or non-aerosol spray container, or other such applicator that expels the decor product from the container with a greater velocity than, for example, a hand pump, deeper penetration of the surface may result, which may affect removal of the decor product from the surface by, for example, limiting or inhibiting access of the removal process to the decor product.

[00105] Surface specific factors that may influence decor product reversibility include, for example, surface structure and/or texture, the electrostatic charge held by the surface, surface contaminants including for example glue, wax, sugars, oils, urine, and/or surface pretreatments affecting, for example, surface tension. Surface structure factors such as fiber density, in the case of carpets and the like, may influence decor product reversibility. For example, dense carpet structures may be more likely to minimize particle penetration as opposed to open structures such as, for example, nylon shag carpets and older carpets with damaged braids. Thus, less dense surfaces may influence decor product reversibility by, for example, reducing the access of the decor product to the removal process as compared to more dense surfaces.

[00106] Further, surface electrostatic charge and/or surface tension may influence reversibility. Illustratively, a surface treatment may be used to lower the electrostatic charge and/or surface tension to improve the reversibility characteristics of the decor products. Examples of surface treatments that may be used include 3M SCOTCHGUARD™ Carpet and Upholstery Protector (manufactured by 3M) and/or Advanced TEFLON® Carpet protector (manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company). Further, such pretreatments may promote decor product coverage and/or dispersion on the surface with smaller volumes of the decor product thus indirectly promoting decor product reversibility through minimizing the risk of oversaturation.

[00107] In some instances, the decor product may be formulated to have a larger particle size to improve or enhance reversibility by reducing the amount of particles based on size that can penetrate the smaller interstices of the surface. Further, and not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that smaller sized particles, for example, particles less than about 5 to about 10 microns in size, may be held relatively more tightly to the surface by an electrostatic charge and/or surface tension as compared to larger particles, for example, particles greater than about 20 microns in size, making the smaller sized particles relatively more difficult to

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 remove from the surface as compared to larger sized particles. Thus, in some embodiments, surface pretreatment, additional effort and/or additional methods may be needed to achieve the same reversibility characteristics for decor products formulated with smaller particles as compared to decor products formulated with larger particles.

[00108] Once a decor product of the present disclosure has been applied to a surface and the user has decided to keep the decor product on the surface, the decor product may be cured and/or affixed by chemical curing and/or mechanical bonding to the surface temporarily, permanently, and/or semi-permanently according to the formulation of the decor product. Illustratively, a solubilizing composition or a sealant composition may be applied to the decor product to affect curing and/or bonding to the surface. The sealant may be applied to the decor product at any time including at the same time that the decor product is applied to the surface and/or after the decor product has been applied to the surface. It is also contemplated that the sealant may be applied to the surface prior to the decor product. Depending on the decor product being used, if the decor product was applied in a liquid format or via a liquid carrier, it may be desirable to allow the decor product to dry completely before applying the sealant to the decor product. The decor product may substantially dry, for example, dry to the touch, over a varied amount of time depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the quantity of decor product applied, the application area, the type of surface being used, and other factors related to the exact chemistry and composition of the decor product. Although the exact drying time may vary based on the factors discussed herein, it is contemplated that the_. decor product may be allowed to dry for more than or equal to about 48 hours, or more than or equal to about 36 hours, or more than or equal to about 24 hours, or more than or equal to about 12 hours, or less than or equal to about 12 hours, or less than or equal to about 16 hours, or between about 12 and about 16 hours, or for at least about 4 hours.

[00109] The sealant may also be applied at any other time including while the decor product is still wet or saturated, semi-saturated, or any other physical state. If the decor product is not completely dry when the sealant is applied, the concentration of sealant applied may need to be increased to compensate for dilution.

[00110] Sealants useful in the present disclosure include, for example, solvents. Examples of solvents useful in the present disclosure include polar and/or nonpolar solvents, including

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 those disclosed in the Handbook of Organic Solvent Properties, Smallwood, I.M. 1996, Elsevier. Such solvents include, for example, water, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents such as aliphatic alcohols, other alcohols, glycol ethers, pyrrolidone, nitrated and chlorinated solvents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, and/or esters. Other useful solvents include acetone, amines, benzyl acetate, phenols, and/or the organic sulfone or sulfoxide families including dimethyl sulfoxide. Any solvent may be selected that is appropriate for the decor product so long as the solvent acts to effectuate affixation. Illustrative solvents contemplated include, for example, those available from The Dow Chemical Company under the CARBITOL®, CELLOSOLVE®, DOWANOL®, and PROGLYDE® trade names including, for example, diethylene glycol ethyl ether available from Dow Chemical as CARBITOL®, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether available from Dow Chemical as Butyl CARBITOL®, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, available from Dow Chemical as Hexyl CELLOSOLVE®, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate available from Dow Chemical as Ethyl CELLOSOLVE® Acetate, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate available from Dow Chemical as Butyl CELLOSOLVE® Acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® PMA, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® DPMA, dipropylene glycol mono (n-butyl) ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® DPnB, dipropylene glycol propyl ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® DPnP glycol ether, propylene glycol diacetate available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® PGDA, propylene glycol methyl ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® PM, propylene glycol n-butyl ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® PNB, dipropylene glycol methyl ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® DPM, ethylene glycol phenyl ether available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL® EPH, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether available from Dow Chemical as PROGLYDE® DMM glycol diether. Additional solvents include ethylene glycol diacetate and ethyl lactate available from Purac under the PURASOLV® EL trade name. Additional solvents include diethylene glycol mono propyl ether available from Eastman Chemical Company under the EASTMAN® DP trade name. Additional like solvents contemplated are provided by, for example, Exxon and Huntsmann, among others. Combinations and mixtures of the above solvents disclosed herein may also be used.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [001 11] A sealant/solubilizing composition containing a single solvent or containing a solvent mixture may be applied to the decor product. Examples of solvent mixtures useful in the present disclosure include mixtures of hexyl cellosolve and ethyl lactate, mixtures of butyl carbitol and propylene glycol diacetate, mixtures of hexyl cellosolve, propylene glycol diacetate, and ethyl lactate, mixtures of hexyl cellosolve, propylene glycol diacetate, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, and mixtures of propylene glycol diacetate and dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether. The mixtures may also include any other solvent or additive that is compatible with affixing the decor product to the surface. Illustratively, examples of sealant compositions containing solvent mixtures are listed in Table l a below.

[001 12] Table No. la. Examples of Solvent Mixtures

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 butyl

ether

8 Water 90% Butyl 2% Propyl4% Dipropyl- 4% carbitol ene glycol ene glycol

diacetate mono butyl

ether

[001 13] In a further embodiment, a sealant and/or setting solution mixture contemplated in the present disclosure is shown in Table lb below.

[001 14] Table No. 1 b. Setting Solution Mixture.

[001 15] A specific example of a propylene glycol diacetate (PGDA)-based solvent setting solution contemplated for use herein is shown in Table lc below.

[001 16] Table No. 1 c. PGDA-based Setting Solution Composition.

[001 17] A specific example of a dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (DMM)-based solvent setting solution contemplated for use herein is shown in Table Id below.

[001 18] Table No. 1 d. DMM-based Setting Solution Composition.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Approx.

Constituents Weight %

Surfactant 1.5

DMM 12

Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether 8

Sodium carbonate 0.32

Sodium bicarbonate 0.18

Water 78

[00119] The PGDA-based and DMM-based solvent setting solutions in Table Nos. lc and Id above, respectively, may be adjusted accordingly in preparation for dispensing from a pressurized dispensing device, such as an aerosol can. For example, the PGDA-based and DMM-based solvent setting solutions may be formulated, for example, as shown in Table le below.

[00120] Table No. le. Setting Solution Compositions.

[00121] In another embodiment, setting solutions may act as solubilizing agents or sealants and may incorporate one or more solvent systems, which include one or more glycol solvents capable of solubilizing at least one of a polymer or a resin. Solvent systems may further include additional components to facilitate formulation, as well as functional, dispersant, and/or storage properties of the solvent system and/or the solubilizing agents or sealants. Non-limiting examples of additional components that may be included in contemplated

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 solvent systems include polar and/or nonpolar solvents, water, wax, hydrocarbons, ethanol, phosphorous esters, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol, ethyl lactate, a nitrated solvent, a chlorinated solvent, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, a ketone, an ester, acetone, an amine, benzyl acetate, a phenol, an organic sulfone, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

[00122] Solvent systems may contain a total glycol solvent content of from about 15% to about 90%, or from about 20% to about 80%, or from about 25% to about 75%, or from about 35% to about 50%, or greater than about 15%, or greater than about 25%, or greater than about 50%, or greater than about 75%, or greater than about 90%, or about 15%, or about 17%, or about 20%, or about 25%, or about 50%, or about 75%, or about 90%, or about 100% by weight or volume of the solvent system

[00123] In one embodiment, two or more solvents may be used to counter adverse effects of solvents having differing evaporation rates in the solvent system, for example, to maintain a constant level of solubilizing effect over time as the solvent system evaporates. In the case of mixed solvents, it is helpful to balance the evaporation rates of the individual components so that dissolved components stay in solution until the solvents are nearly completely evaporated (see, for example, J. Bentley and G.P.A. Turner "Introduction to Paint Chemistry and principles of paint technology" 4^th edition, pages 132 - 134, Chapman and Hall, New York, 1998). For example, if a mixed solvent system were to evaporate such that one component preferentially evaporated and caused precipitation of the dissolved solids, the resulting film would be milky or low in gloss due to the formation of particulate precipitates in the bulk of the liquid instead of a thin film on the surface the coating is intended for. On the other hand, preferential evaporation of one solvent may further compromise the sealant capacity of a sealant composition over time.

[00124] It is further contemplated that two or more solvents may be employed in a solvent system, where one of the solvents may aid the solubility of the other in an aqueous or nonaqueous solution. Alternatively or in addition, an emulsifier may be used to alter the solubility of one or more solvents in a solvent system. Further, combinations of solvents are contemplated to regulate evaporation rates of each other as well as additional sealant composition constituents.

[00125] In another embodiment, reducing amounts of pH buffers may also improve solubility of certain solvents, such as EPH.

QB\51000 .00717\9435479.1 [00126] Solubilizing agents or sealants contemplated may contain on a weight % basis, at least one of: 1) a foaming agent in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 3%, or from about 0.05% to about 2.0%, or from about 0.1% to about 1.75%, or from about 0.5% to about 1.5%; or about 0.75%, or about 1%, or about 1.25%, or about 1.5%; 2) a solvent system in an amount of from about 2% to about 90%, or from about 3% to about 60%, or from about 3% to about 50%, or from about 4% to about 45%, or from about 4% to about 35%, or from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 6% to about 15%, or about 7% to about 12%, or from about 7.5% to about 10%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 7.5%, or about 10%, or about 15%, or about 20%, or about 25%, or about 35%; 3) a propellant in an amount of about 4 to about 10 %, or less than about 10%, or in an amount less than 8%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 8%, or about 10%; 4) an anticorrosive agent or pH buffer in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5%, or from about 0.05% to about 4%, or from about 0.15% to about 3.5%, from about 0.07% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.75%; or about 5%, or about 4%, or about 3%, or about 1.5%, or about 1%, or about 0.5%, or about 0.3%, or about 0.15%, or about 0.1 %; 5) optionally an antimicrobial; 6) optionally a solvent solubility agent, such as an emulsifier; and 7) the balance water.

[00127] It is further contemplated that a sealant and/or setting solution mixture contemplated herein may include one or more plasticizers that soften carpet fibers (for example, a nylon and/or polyester carpet) and or make a polyhydroxyl ester material more pliable. Some examples of plasticizers for nylon, polyester, and hydroxyl polyester include alkyl phosphates (for example, Tri-butoxyethyl phosphate (TBEP),' is propylented triaryl phosphates, alkyl diphenyl phosphates, and t-butyl triaryl phosphates available from Akzo Nobel Chemicals Inc.), numerous adipate diesters (for example, dioctyl adipate) available from Arizona Chemical, numerous sebacate diesters (for example, dioctyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, among others) available from Arizona Chemical, numerous phthalates (for example, dioctyl terephthalate) available from Arizona Chemical, aliphatic glycols, aromatic sulfonamides (for example, N-(n-butyl) benzene sulfonamide (BBSA), N-(ethyl) o/p toluene sulfonamide (NEO PTSA), p-toluene sulfonamide (PTS), benzene sulfonamide, and the like) available from Advance Coating Co., fatty acid esters of pentaerythytol available from Sunivo Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 [00128] While not to be bound by theory, it is thought that coincident softening of the carpet fiber and the applied colorant polymer promotes adhesion between the two polymers by creating a soft interface that allows interpenetration of the polymer networks. Furthermore, the high boiling nature of the plasticizer allows it to stay dissolved in the polymer over long periods of time. This is particularly desirable for situations where the presence of the plasticizer softens and toughens the colorant polymer film, allowing it to be more flexible and resilient to crush type forces as imparted by foot traffic and the like, thereby promoting durability.

[00129] Plasticizers contemplated in the sealant formulations may be included in an amount of from about 2% to about 90%, or from about 3% to about 60%, or from about 3% to about 50%, or from about 4% to about 45%, or from about 4% to about 35%, or from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 6% to about 15%, or about 7% to about 12%, or from about 7.5% to about 10%, or about 6%, or about 7%, or about 7.5%, or about 10%, or about 15%, or about 20%, or about 25%, or about 35%. In one embodiment, a range such as about 0.1 to about 5%, or about 1% or more may be added to an otherwise completed sealant formulation as disclosed herein.

[00130] Additional examples of plasticizers contemplated for use herein include those available from Advance Coatings Co., Akzo Nobel Chemicals Inc., Arizona Chemical, Arkema Inc., BASF Corp. Chemicals, Eastman Chemical Co, Exxonmobil Chemical Co. Polymers Group, Stepan Co. Plastic & Fiber Additives, and Sunoco Chemicals, among others.

[00131] In a further embodiment, drying compositions may aid in the affixation of colorant particles affixed via a sealant composition. In this regard, metal complexes of organics, such as those, for example, that may be water or oil soluble. One non-limiting example contemplated herein is zinc ammonium carbonate. Other suitable drying agents are equally contemplated herein.

[00132] In a further embodiment, a sealant and/or setting solution mixture contemplated in the present disclosure may have a pH that ranges from about 6 to about 9, or from about 6.5 to about 8.5, or about 7 to about 8, or that is about 6, or about 7, or about 7.1, or about 7.4, or about 8, or about 8.5. An example of a sealant and/or setting solution mixture contemplated in the present disclosure is shown in Table If below.

QB\S 10009.00717X9435479.1 [00133] Table No. If. Setting Solution Composition.

[00134] Examples of setting solution compositions are shown in Tables lg-li below.

[00135] Table No. lg. Setting Solution Composition.

[00137] Table No. li. Setting Solution Composition.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1

[00138] It is contemplated herein that one or more of the constituents of the setting solution, sealant, or solubilizing composition may serve more than a single purpose. For example, a particular component may serve to improve as a surfactant and may further serve as a foaming agent. Additional components including solvents and propellants, as well as other agents known in the art, such as, for example, expandable liquids, acid-base systems, gas producing systems, and others, may be useful as foaming agents in the present disclosure.

[00139] The solvent mixture may be concentrated or it may be diluted with water or other compatible diluents. Water and each mixture component may be present in any amount from about 0% to about 100%. Illustratively, the solvent mixture may contain between about 0% to about 90% of each mixture component, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 0.1% to about 35%, or between about 10% to about 35%, or between about 1% to about 10%. The solvent mixture may be, for example, purchased pre-mixed from a supplier and/or may be mixed at some other point. While mixing the solvent mixture together, the components can be added in any order. The solvent mixture may be provided in a single phase, a multi-phase, or may transition over time into either a single phase or multiphase mixture. It may be desirable to make a solvent mixture having only one phase so as to assist in the ease of application to the decor product. In multiple phase form, the solvent mixture may require agitation by the user during the application process.

[00140] The sealant composition may be selected to correspond to the specific chemistry and composition of the decor product of the present disclosure. For example, the decor product may include a composition having a liquid carrier, an emulsifier, and substantially homogenous particles as discussed in the disclosure herein. The substantially homogenous

QB^ 10009.00717\9435479.1 particle may comprise a colorant, a catalyst, and a resin, and the resin may be an acrylic, an acrylic latex, a polyester, a urethane, or an epoxy. An amount of composition may be applied to a surface and particulates of the substantially homogenous particles may be formed and attach to the surface.

[00141] Factors that may impact solvent selection may include the solvent's ability to bind colorant particles to a surface, the solvent's effect on foaming, the solvent's ability to completely evaporate, the solvent's ability to minimize resoiling, the solvent's toxicity, environmental fate, and environmental impact, the solvents stability, reactivity, and odor, the solvent's ability to dissolve the substantially homogenous particles and the substantially homogenous colorant particles, the solvent's solubility in water, the solvent's evaporation rate, and/or other manufacturing and business considerations, such as cost and availability of the solvent.

[00142] The amount of sealant composition that may be applied to the decor product should be an amount enough to effectuate affixation to a surface or an amount enough to achieve a desired effect. The amount may be sufficient to dissolve the substantially homogenous particles and the substantially homogenous colorant particles when they are contacted by the sealant and to allow the dissolved substantially homogenous particles and the substantially homogenous colorant particles to flow onto the surface. The amount may also be sufficient to bond a majority portion of the particulates to the surface. For example, the particulates may be bonded to the surface when less than or equal to about 25% of the particulate bonds to the surface, or between about 25% and about 50%, or between about 50% and about 75%, or between about 75% and about 100%, or about 85%. Several factors may be taken into account in determining the amount of sealant utilized including, for example, the chemical makeup of the decor product, the type of surface the decor product is being affixed to, the area of the decor pattern applied to the surface, the quantity of decor product that was applied to the surface, environmental factors, and/or any other internal or external condition related to the sealant, surface and/or decor product. In some embodiments, the sealant composition may be applied over the entire surface area of the decor product. However, it is also contemplated that the sealant could be applied over a limited portion of the decor product to affix only a limited section of the decor product. Applying the sealant to a limited section of the decor product may result in only the contacted section of the decor

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 product being affixed to the surface. The sealant may be dispensed at any distance that distributes the sealant over the decor product area that is to be affixed. The distance selected may be based upon a number of factors, including, for example, the type of sealant dispenser, the type of spray pattern the dispenser utilizes, the surface area of the decor product to be affixed, and the other components being dispensed with the sealant. For example, the sealant may be dispensed from a distance of less than about 12 inches, or a distance of between about 8 inches and about 12 inches away from the decor product, or a distance greater than about 12 inches. Furthermore, the foaming action of the sealant may provide a visual indicator of amount applied (for example, based on foam thickness), therefore providing realtime guidance of how much sealant has been applied and suggesting how much more may be needed for proper sealing.

[00143] In one embodiment, when the sealant composition contacts the decor product, the solvent dissolves the colorant particles and/or thermoplastic resin contained within the decor product. The dissolved colorant then flows onto or into the surface. If the surface is a soft surface, for example a carpet or a fabric, the particles of the colorant may flow into the recesses or crevasses of the surface and penetrate the fibers and form a thin, even coating on individual fibers. The colorant particles mechanically and/or chemically bond to the surface. Depending on the exact composition of both the decor product and the solvent or solvent mixture, other chemical reactions may take place during or after the solvent is applied to the decor product.

[00144] After the sealant composition contacts the decor product and the particulates that are attached to the surface, the decor product may be allowed to dry to allow the decor product to affix to the surface. The drying time may be dependent upon a number of factors including the composition of the decor product, the amount of the decor product that was applied to the surface, the type of surface that the decor product is being affixed to, the solvent or solvent mixture that was applied to the decor product and many other variables related to the surface, compositions of the decor product and the solvent, and/or the ambient environment. The drying time may be whatever time is sufficient to substantially affix the decor product to the surface. For example, a majority portion of the sealant composition may be allowed to evaporate from the particulates to affix the colorant to the surface. A majority portion of the sealant allowed to evaporate may be between about 1% to about 50%, or

01^ 10009.00717X9435479.1 between about 50% and about 75%, or between about 75% and 100%, or about 90% based upon weight of the total sealant applied to the surface. The sealant composition may also be allowed to evaporate from the particulates to affix the portion of the dissolved substantially homogenous colorant particles to the surface. Illustratively, the drying time generally may be at least about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 12 hours, or between about 16 hours and about 24 hours, or greater than about 24 hours. In some cases, if the decor product/solvent mixture does not have a sufficient time to dry, there may be smearing of the decor product or poor durability.

[00145] Many tools and devices may be used to dispense the solvent or solvent mixture. For example, any of the devices or tools referenced herein that are used to dispense the decor product may also be used to dispense the solvent or solvent mixture alone or in combination with each other. The decor product and solvent or solvent mixture may be dispensed from the same dispensing device or from more than one dispensing device. In other embodiments, two distinct dispensing devices are utilized so as to not mix the decor product with the solvent prior to application. Aerosol dispensers, hand pump sprayers, and/or other pressurized systems such as high volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayers or high pressure low volume (HPLV) sprayers may also be used to dispense the solvent or solvent mixture. Any other dispensing device may be used so long as it is capable of dispensing the solvent or solvent mixture. Illustratively, useful dispensing devices for the decor product and/or the sealant composition include, for example, dispensing devices disclosed in for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/152,311, filed May 14, 2008.

[00146] Other components may also be mixed with the sealant composition before and/or after the sealant composition is formulated. The additional components include preservatives, pH buffers, anti-corrosive additives such as, for example, potassium hydrogen phosphate and/or potassium dihydrogen phosphate, surfactants, such as STEPANOL® WA- Extra PCK, available from the Stepan Company, propellants, wetting agents other than traditional surfactants, foaming agents, thickeners, catalysts and/or cross-linkers to react with the colorant, or additional resin to retard evaporation of the solvent. It is also contemplated that any other component referenced herein that could be added into the decor product composition could also be added to the sealant composition and/or could be added to sealant composition in lieu of adding the additive to the decor product composition.

QB\S 10009.00717\943₅479.1 [00147] Additional components may also be included with the sealant composition after the sealant composition is formulated. These components may be placed into the dispensing device and may help facilitate the use of the dispensing device and/or may be included with the sealant composition. For example, a surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulfate or a propellant such as nitrogen may be included in an aerosol-type dispensing device. Other surfactants or components that improve the wetting properties of the decor product on the surface may also be included. Other propellants including hydrocarbons may also be used either alone or in a mixture. In one embodiment, hydrocarbons that promote foaming may be used. A pressurized gas such as carbon dioxide may also be included to facilitate the dispensing process. Additional components that are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art may be included in the dispensing device to provide additional benefits.

[00148] Once a decor product of the present disclosure has been applied to a surface and the user has decided to keep the decor product on the surface, the decor product may be cured and/or affixed by chemical curing and or mechanical bonding to the surface temporarily, permanently, and/or semi-permanently according to the formulation of the decor product. Any curing or affixing technique compatible with the decor product and the surface is contemplated in the methods disclosed herein including, for example, the application of energy and/or a chemical to the decor product. Examples of curing or affixing techniques include, for example, heat curing, steam curing, pressure curing, exposure to an electromagnetic field, including for example, ultraviolet radiation, radio frequency curing, a magnetic field, and the like, ultrasound curing, induction^* heat curing, solar heat curing, exothermic reaction heat curing, convective heat curing, and/or radiant heat curing. Further, curing or affixation of the decor product may be accomplished by exposure of the decor product to the ambient environment.

[00149] The decor product in one embodiment may be affixed to a surface using heat in a range from about -7°C to about 650°C, or about 4°C to about 400°C, or at a temperature less than about 260°C, or about 20°C to about 180°C, or about 65°C to about 120°C, or higher and lower temperatures depending on the surface in which the decor product is applied. Further, the duration of the curing or affixing step is generally decor product- and/or surface-specific, and illustratively, ranges from less than 1 second to about 15 minutes, or from about 15

QB\510009.0071 X9435479.1 minutes to about 1 hour, or from about 1 hour to about 4 hours, or from about 5 hours to about 8 hours, or from about 8 to about 12 hours, or longer for curing of the decor product.

[00150] Tools that may be used to cure and/or affix the decor product to a surface include, for example, a hot iron, an enclosure or frame containing a CALROD™ heating element suspended over the surface being heated, an enclosure or frame with one or more incandescent light bulbs, a heat gun, an enclosure or frame with a heater and a blower to infuse hot air onto the substrate, an enclosure or frame with an infrared heating element, an enclosure or frame with an ultraviolet light source, a steam-making device, a heated tool (for example, a household iron, an electric griddle, or a hair dryer or objects similar in function but specifically designed for the application), or a microwave emitting device or a radio frequency emitting device. The devices contemplated herein to be used for decor product affixation may incorporate heat sensors and timers to facilitate the affixation process and further protect the surface to which the decor product is being applied from damage from overheating.

[00151] Additional ways to affix the decor product to a surface include inductive heating of a decor product containing metal nano- or microparticles, moisture curing systems, adding magnetic enhancements to a deposited decor product, and treatment of additives within the decor product to induce affixation. Further ways to affix the decor product to a surface include those disclosed in the U.S. patents provided in Table No. 1 above.

[00152] An illustration of affixation is shown in FIG. 3. Here, the decor product has been applied to a surface 44, such as a nylon carpet described herein and has substantially dried to the surface to form substantially dry decor particles 42 attached thereto. An affixation device 46 emitting energy 48, for example, an electromagnetic field, is being passed over the applied decor particles 42 in a direction A. Upon contact of the emitted energy 48, the decor particles begin to melt and flow and upon removal of the emitted energy begin to cool and bond to the surface 44 to become substantially affixed to the surface. A further example of fixation is seen in FIG. 4, which is a scanning electron micrograph showing a resultant decor particle film formed on individual fibers of a carpet.

[00153] An additional illustration of affixation is shown in FIG. 3a. Here, the decor product has been applied to a. surface 44 and has substantially dried to the surface to form substantially dry decor particles 42. An aerosol container 3020 emitting a solvent (a sealant

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 composition) 3048, for example, is being passed over the applied decor particles 42 in a direction A. Upon contact of the solvent 3048, the decor particles begin to melt and flow and bond to the surface 44 to become substantially affixed to the surface.

[00154] Further, solubilizing composition applicators, including aerosol containers and others may incorporate additional features and/or devices that assist in the formation of foam upon application of the solubilizing composition. In one embodiment, such a foaming device may codispense a foaming agent or a foam along with the solubilizing agent and/or composition such that the distribution of the foam is indicative of the coverage of solubilizing composition applied to the decor product and/or surface to which the decor product was applied. In the alternative or in addition to, the foaming device may serve to cause the solubilizing composition to foam, for example by mechanical shear, upon dispensing from the applicator to affect the same result as application of a separate foaming agent. Mechanical shear may be provided, for example, by passing the solubilizing composition through a fine mesh screen at high velocity. In this way, a user may more efficiently affix an applied decor product to a surface by being able to visualize the distribution and amount of the solubilizing composition and thereby facilitating appropriate coverage over the decor product. In addition, it is contemplated that the addition of a foam during the affixation of the decor product by means of a solubilizing composition may add benefit to the affixation process by reducing evaporation of volatile solvents present in the solubilizing composition.

[00155] When a composition of the present disclosure is employed in the form of foam, it may, for example, be packaged under pressure in a dispensing device such as an aerosol container in the presence of a propellant and a foaming agent. The foaming agents may be, for example, anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric foaming polymers and/or surface- active agents. Other illustrative foaming agents useful in a foamable delivery system include one or more surfactants, liquid propellants, compressed gasses, or foamable solvents. Illustrative foamable solvents include water, a volatile propellant, a C| to Q fluid alkyl or straight or branched alkyl alcohol such as isobutane, an aromatic alcohol, an ether of a sorbitol derivative, propylene carbonate, xylene, methylene chloride, ethylhexanediol, polysiloxanes, dimethyl ether, and mixtures and/or aqueous dispersions thereof. An illustrative surfactant suitable as a foaming agent includes a betaine (for example, a cocamidopropyl betaine), a polyoxyethylene fatty ether, a polyoxyethylene fatty ester, a fatty

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 acid, a sulfated fatty acid surfactant, a phosphated fatty acid surfactant, a sulfosuccinate surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a non-ionic poloxamer surfactant, a non-ionic meroxapol surfactant, a petroleum derivative surfactant, an aliphatic amine surfactant, a polysiloxane derivative, a sorbitan fatty acid ester, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures and/or aqueous dispersions thereof available from Stepan Company.

[00156] Foams are thermodynamically unstable systems. Since the total surface area in a foam is large, there is a considerable amount of surface energy present. Accordingly, a surfactant may be used to achieve stability so the foam can last for a desired amount of time, such as, for example, less than about 1 hour, less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, or less than about 1 minute. Therefore, by adjusting the amount and type of surfactant present in a foaming solution, the foam may be dissipated at different times as desired.

[00157] As a general proposition, good emulsifying agents, including surfactants are, in general, also good foaming agents, since the factors influencing emulsion stability against droplet coalescence and foam stability against bubble collapse are similar. The stability of a foam depends upon three principal factors: (1) the tendency for liquid films to drain and become thinner; (2) the tendency of foam bubbles to rupture as a result of random disturbances; and (3) change in bubble size. Other factors which may significantly influence foam stability include evaporation and gas diffusion through the liquid films.

[00158] Initially, foam drainage takes place mainly by gravitational flow, allowing the spheres of gas in the foam to become closer together. Foaming agents play an important role at this stage in restricting gravitational flow to a level where local disturbances and consequent film rupture is minimized. When the films between the gas spheres have attained a thickness on the order of micrometers, gravitational flow becomes extremely slow. When the bubble wall becomes sufficiently thin to be permeable, the gas in the smaller bubbles diffuses into adjacent bubbles to equalize the pressure and produce larger bubbles. This spontaneous process increases the average bubble size without film rupture. The predominant drainage mechanism then involves liquid being discharged locally via capillary action at positions of interfilm contact known as Plateau borders, where the liquid capacity is relatively high, existing throughout the foam. The final, stable equilibrium product is a fragile, honeycomb structure, in which the separating films have plane surfaces.

QB\510009.00717N9435479.1 [00159] Foam drainage causes the liquid films separating the gas bubbles to become thinner. This usually leads to film rupture.

[00160] In addition to film drainage, the stability of a film depends on the ability of the liquid film to resist excessive local thinning and rupture occurring as a result of random disturbances. A number of factors may be involved with varying degrees of importance, depending on the nature of the particular foam in question.

[00161] For example, when a film is subjected to local stretching as a result of some external disturbance, the consequent increase in surface area will be accompanied by a decrease in the surface excess concentration of foaming agent and a resulting local increase in surface tension. A certain time is required for surfactant molecules to diffuse to this surface region and restore the original surface tension. This increased surface tension may persist for long enough to cause the disturbed film region to recover its original thickness, stabilizing the foam.

[00162] The stress that creates regions of higher surface tension is always present in a foam film. The liquid film is flat at one place and curved convexly at another, where the liquid accumulates in the interstices between the bubbles. The convex curvature creates a capillary force, called the Laplace effect that sucks liquid out of connected foam films so that internal liquid flows constantly from the flatter to the more curved parts of the films. As the liquid flows, the films are stretched, new surfaces of higher tension are created, and a counter-flow across the surfaces is generated to restore the thinned-out parts of the films, a process called the Marangoni effect. In this way, the foam films are in a constant state of flow and counterflow, one effect creating the conditions for its reversal by the other. Rupture of the liquid films separating the bubbles leads to coalescence of the bubbles and complete collapse of the foam structure.

[00163] Change in bubble size can lead to thinning of the lamellae and may cause mechanical shocks that result in film rupture. As a foam ages, the small bubbles become smaller and the large bubbles grow larger. This occurs because the pressure in a small bubble is higher than that in large bubbles. The difference in pressure between the two bubbles increases until the smaller bubble disappears completely. The resulting rearrangement of the bubbles in the foam could lead to an increased possibility of mechanical shock followed by film rupture and coalescence.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 [00164] The mechanical properties of the surface films of a foam have a considerable influence on foam stability. First, high bulk liquid viscosity retards the rate of foam collapse. However, high surface viscosity also produces strong retardation of bulk liquid flow close to the surfaces and, consequently, the drainage of thick films is considerably more rapid than that of thin films, which facilitates the attainment of a uniform film thickness. Second, surface elasticity facilitates the maintenance of a uniform film thickness. However, the existence of rigid, condensed surface films is detrimental to foam stability, owing to the very small changes in area over which such films show elasticity.

[00165] In one embodiment, a composition described herein such as a foamable composition is packaged in a container as an aerosol. Selection of a suitable container for the aerosol product may be based, for example, on its compatibility with production methods and formulation components, ability to sustain pressure required to propel the product from the container, design and aesthetic appeal, and cost. Suitable containers may be made of, for example, steel, aluminum, glass, plastic, or mixtures thereof. The containers may further employ one or more protective coatings such as, for example, a PAM coating, sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate, ammonium m-nitrobenzoate, morpholine, 2-methyl butynoyl, Expoxol 9-5, sodium n-lauroylsarcosinate, phenolic, epoxy, or vinyl coatings, to enhance the formulation compatibility and/or safe handling. (See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,186,416). Any other known aerosol container and/or protective coating is further contemplated as useful in this regard.

[00166] The container may also include two or more compartments permitting individual compositions to be placed into separate portions that are physically separated until dispensed from the container through the valve assembly.

[00167] Methods for filling an aerosol container are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as those described in, for example, The Aerosol Handbook (Wayne E. Dorland, Caldwell, N.J.), and the Handbook of Aerosol Technology, (R. E. Krieger, Malabar, Fla.). Such methods include, for example, cold fill, under the cup, and pressure fill (through the valve).

[00168] An aerosol valve assembly generally includes one or more of an actuator, a stem, a gasket, a spring, a mounting cup, a housing, and a dip tube. To facilitate foaming, the aerosol valve assembly may also include, or be associated with, a foaming device that creates

QBXS 10009.0071 Ά9435479.1 mechanical shear on a composition that is passed therethrough, The materials used in the manufacture of the valve assembly should be inert towards the formulations that pass therethrough, such as, for example, plastic, rubber, aluminum, stainless steel, and mixtures thereof. Various types of valve assemblies known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including spray valves, sliding gasket valves, deflecting gasket valves, and tilt action valves, are contemplated as being useful herein to deliver product from a container. One such valve useful herein may be employed to allow dispensing of product while the container is upright and/or inverted. Other valve assemblies include a metering valve that is configured to deliver specific quantities of a product each time the valve is actuated. In metered valve systems, an auxiliary valve chamber may be employed to regulate the amount of material discharged based on, for example, the volume or dimension of the chamber. The valve assembly may also include an attachment to facilitate delivery of a composition of the present disclosure.

[00169] To deliver a foamable composition from an aerosol container, the container generally contains an expelling force generated by a mechanical means, such as a hand- actuated pump or by squeezing the container, or by pressure applied to a self-pressurized aerosol system through, for example, the use of one or more liquefied or gaseous propellants. Other expelling forces known to those of ordinary skill in the art are further contemplates as within the scope of the present inventive subject matter. Further, additional factors that favor desired delivery are contemplated, including, for example, minimizing the ratio of void volume to composition in, for example, squeeze bottle applicators.

[00170] Upon activation of the valve assembly, the pressure exerted by the propel lant forces the contents of the package out through the opening of the valve. This expelling force allows the composition to be delivered as a fine mist; a coarse, wet or dry spray; a steady stream; or as a stable or breaking foam. The contemplated foams include those intended for deposition on a surface, such as a hard or soft surface. While not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the foaming of the composition may be more attributable to the use of a liquefied petroleum gas propellant rather than one or more surfactant constituents.

[00171] The pressure of an aerosol container generally regulates the performance of the foamable delivery system, and can be influenced by the type, amount, and nature of the propellant and/or the components of the composition held in the container. In general, a foaming aerosol system usually operates between about 10 to about 200 psig at about 70° F.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 -soil lustratively, foam aerosols may contain about 1 to about 90% propel lant, or from about 2 to about 50% propellant, or between about 2.5 and about 20% propellant.

[00172] Patents pertaining to specific foam formulations and foam creating devices contemplated for use herein include, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,847,068, 5,002,680, 5, 167,950, 5,397,564, 5,678,765, 5,679,324, 5,725,155, 6,030,931 , 6,060,085, 6, 126,920, 6,264,964, 6,557,783, and 7,186,416.

[00173] In another embodiment, without wishing to be bound by theory, it is contemplated that a combination of a resin solubilizing treatment and heat treatment may act to improve affixation of decor particles associated with a surface. In specific, it is believed that an initial treatment of a solubilizing composition to applied decor particles may lower the amount of energy required during a subsequent application of energy, such as heat, for the purpose of affixing the decor particles to the surface. Conversely, an initial heat treatment of the applied decor particles and/or product followed by application of a solubilizing composition may likewise promote more efficient and/or effective affixation of the decor particles to the surface. Such a synergistic affixation method may decrease the amount of heat and/or solubilizing/solvating agent necessary for adequate affixation, as well as the duration of affixation of the decor product.

[00174] Protective coverings may also be applied to a deposited decor product for the purpose of affixing the decor product and/or to add to the resiliency of the decor product to wear. Useful protective coverings include, for example, nanoparticle coating compositions disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,872,444. Further, fixatives useful in the present disclosure include those used in artistry to fix and/or seal, for example, pastels, pencil, charcoal, crayon, ink, gouache, or watercolor. Such fixatives include those available under the trade names Blue Label Reworkable FIXATIF® (Martin F. Webber Co.), GOLDEN® Archival Spray Varnish (Golden Artist Colors Inc.), KRYLON® Workable Fixative (Krylon Products Group, The Sherwin-Williams Company), and LASCAUX® Fine Art Fixative (Lascaux Colours & Restauro, Switzerland).

[00175] It is further contemplated that the surface to which a decor product is to be applied and/or affixed thereto may be conditioned prior to the application of the decor product. Examples of such conditioning include, but are not limited to cleaning, vacuuming, steam cleaning, bleaching, pH balancing, reducing the pH, increasing the pH, sweeping, painting,

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 scrubbing, wetting, texturing, leveling, tilting, drying, heating, cooling, sanding, buffing, coating, removing coatings merefrorn, reducing the electrostatic charge of the surface, and/or applying a surface treatment, such as an upholstery and carpet protector including, for example, 3M SCOTCHGAURD™ Carpet and Upholstery Protector (manufactured by 3M) and/or Advanced TEFLON® Carpet protector (manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), or such additional conditioning as will enhance binding of colorant particles to a substrate.

[00176] Illustratively, the durability of a substantially affixed decor product can be expressed in terms of a ΔΕ (or ΔΕ*) value by determining the ratio of the ΔΕ measured between an untreated surface and a decor product affixed on the surface and the ΔΕ measured between the untreated surface and the decor product affixed and subsequently vacuumed as described herein and subtracting this ratio from 100. Illustratively, the percentage change in ΔΕ for a substantially affixed decor product has a range of about 0% to about 20% change in ΔΕ.

[00177] A further embodiment of the present disclosure includes the use of a design device that a user may use to control the application of the decor product to a surface for the purpose of creating, for example, a pattern on the surface to enhance the aesthetic effect of the decor product. Possible decor product patterns on surfaces contemplated in the present disclosure include any and all images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs. Preselected or random patterns may also be imparted to a surface using an inherent dispersal pattern from a decor product applicator with or without movement of the applicator over a selected surface during application of the decor product. For example, by using a spray applicator with a cone- shaped dispersal pattern, a user may choose to apply discrete spots and/or circles having diameters that are varied by varying the distance from which the appUcator is held from the surface during application of the decor product. Further, a user may move the applicator during application of the decor product over the surface in a predetermined or random pattern _* to achieve a predetermined or random pattern on the surface. As such, preselected patterns and/or random patterns may be imparted to a surface with or without a design device.

[00178] Design devices contemplated in the present disclosure including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/447,694 and 12/152,405, may limit, direct, focus, concentrate, guide, dilute, and/or disperse an amount of decor product applied to

QB\5100O9.OO717\9435 79.1 certain predetermined areas of a selected surface. The design device may include, for example, a stencil, a template, an array, a guide, a frame, a pattern imparting device, a device imparting graphics in a random manner, a manual device, an automatic device, a computer guided device, a programmed device, and/or any combination thereof. The design device contemplated for use herein including, for example, a stencil, may be constructed totally or in part with a material such as, for example, paper, wood, stone, plastic, cardboard, metal, and/or any combination thereof.

[00179] Stencils or other design devices contemplated for use in the present disclosure may be designed, constructed, shaped, and/or reshaped, in a predetermined, ordered, disorganized, and/or random manner by means of laser, knife, die cutting, and/or any other appropriate means as determined by the nature of the stencil material (for example, hardness or softness of the stencil materials) to render a predetermined, ordered, disorganized, and/or random shape that allows a predetermined, ordered, disorganized, and/or random deposition of at least a visual design by introducing a decor product on a surface. The stencils may further be laminated and have additional layers applied thereto post-construction and/or post- designing.

[00180] An exemplary stencil 60 useful in the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a material containment layer 62 (for example, for the absorption of liquids and/or entrapping of dry materials and/or solids) that includes a paper tissue, a synthetic woven or non-woven material that may or may not be coated with an absorbent hydrophilic material, and/or a solid and/or liquid entrapping substance. The material containment layer may have a thickness of about 0.01 mil to about 1000 mils, or about 0.1 mil to about 500 mils, or about 0.5 mil to about 150 mils, or about 1.25 mils to about 50 mils, or about 2 mils to about 15 mils, or a lesser or greater thicknesses depending on the application. The stencil may also incorporate a liquid barrier layer 64 to protect a selected surface from unintended colorant exposure that may comprise a liquid barrier made of any hydrophobic material, including a polyolefin such as polyethylene. The liquid barrier layer 64 may also be comprised of a coating applied to one surface of the absorbent material to hinder liquid transport through the absorbent material. Such a coating may be polymeric in composition such as an acrylic polymer. The liquid barrier may have a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to about 1000 mils, or about 0.1 mil to about 500 mils, or about 0.5 mil to about 150 mils, or about 1.25

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 mils to about 50 mils, or about 2 mils to about 15 mils, or lesser or greater thicknesses depending on the application. An example of a material containment layer and barrier layer combined together useful in the present disclosure, includes the commercially available GOTCHA COVERED® drop cloth by Kimberly-Clark Corp. The stencil 60 further includes a first support layer 66 that helps to secure the edges of one or more cutout portions 68 that provides a passage through at least the material containment layer 62 and the liquid barrier layer 64 of the stencil 60. In this embodiment, the first support layer 66 comprises threads, but other materials may be used, in addition to or in place of threads as described below. Further, the stencil 60 includes a second support layer 70 that helps to secure the stencil 60 to a surface (not shown), such as a carpet. The second support layer 70 may consist of adherent materials including, for example, adherent mesh-like materials as described below.

[00181] A cross-sectional view of the stencil 60 is shown in FIG. 6. Here, the cutout portions 68 are shown through the material containment layer 62, the liquid barrier layer 64, and the second support layer 70. However, the second support layer 70 need not have the cutout portion 68 pass therethrough to allow a decor product to be deposited on a surface due to its mesh-like structure.

[00182] In another embodiment, the material containment layer and the barrier layer may be made of the same material. For example, a dual purpose material (for example, a paper material) that has densities that differ by layers. In this example, the top layer of the dual purpose material corresponds to the material containment layer and has a density that absorbs liquids and/or entraps dry material and/or solids and the bottom layer corresponds to the barrier layer and has a density that prevents passage of liquids therethrough. Further, varying thicknesses may contribute to the functionality of the dual purpose material previously described in addition to or in lieu of varying material densities. Such a dual purpose material may be advantageous over using multiple materials to create a stencil envisioned in the current disclosure by facilitating manufacture of the stencil.

[00183] Another stencil that may be used in the present disclosure may also include a fibrous support layer that has securement and/or attachment properties, such as tulle, scrim, VELCRO®, VERSA HOOK from Avery Dennison, and the like. Illustratively, when the support layer is laid upon a surface, the support layer comes in contact with the surface to which the stencil is to be releasably secured in such a way as to adequately secure the stencil

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 to the surface to allow deposition of the decor product upon the surface and render the intended result. The support layer may also comprise other adherent mechanisms, properties, and/or devices such as, adhesive strips, pressure-sensitive adhesive, and/or any standard bonding mechanism known to those skilled in the art. An additional support layer including, for example, a loose grid, web, or mesh-like material including, for example, thread, is envisioned that may be placed adjacent the barrier layer of the stencil. In this embodiment, the cutout portion may extend through the material containment layer, the barrier layer, and the support layer. An exemplary stencil useful in the present disclosure in which the support layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive includes that disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,779,443. The support layer may be of sufficient area to minimize unintended exposure of a surface, as well as function to maintain the structural integrity of the stencil.

[00184] Stencils that may be used in this application may be substantially resilient to decor product removing means and/or affixation means. The stencil may be used to protect underlying surfaces from the decor product removing means disclosed herein. Further, stencils contemplated within the context of the present disclosure when disposed upon a surface may protect portions of the selected surface from at least one of application, removal, or affixation of the decor product by means of at least one of the material containment layer or the barrier layer. Further, a design device may protect an area adjacent to the preselected pattern from receipt of the decor product.

[00185] Stencils contemplated in the present disclosure may have cutout portions and/or peripheral edges substantially shaped into a desired pattern, shape, and/or design. Illustratively, as seen in FIG. 7, a stencil 80 has star-shaped peripheral edge 82 and an internal cutout 84 having a similar shape as the peripheral edge. This exemplary stencil may be used, for example, when a decor product is being applied to a large area of a surface such that the stencil base 86 between the peripheral edge 82 and the internal cutout 84 blocks application of the decor product to the surface to leave a decor product-free pattern on the surface.

[00186] The stencil may also have one or more cut-out portions and/or pre-cut punch-out portions that may be selectively removed by a user. Reverse image stencils contemplated in one embodiment may be used to impart a reverse visual image upon a surface by first being placed upon the surface to which a decor product is intended to be applied. In this

QB\510009.00717X943S479.1 embodiment, the peripheral edge of the stencil is cut and/or constructed to impart a pattern, shape, and/or design to a surface when a decor product is applied to the stencil and underlying surface. It is envisioned, that the reverse image stencil may or may not have a cutout portion therethrough. After the placing of the stencil or stencils, the decor product is applied to both the surface and the stencils. The stencil or stencils function to protect the underlying surface in the shape of the desired image resulting in a decor product-free area in the shape of the desired image surrounded by a decor product covered area outlining the desired shape. Further, conventional stencils contemplated in the present disclosure may be used to impart a visual image upon an intended surface by first being placed upon the surface to which a decor product is intended to be applied, after the placing of the stencil or stencils the decor product is applied to both the surface and the stencils, and the stencil or stencils function to protect the surface surrounding the shape of the desired image resulting in a decor product covered area in the shape of the desired image surrounded by a decor product-free area outlining the desired shape.

[00187] Another illustrative stencil imparts an image to a surface when used in conjunction with the decor product removal means, such as, for example, a vacuum, after the decor product has been applied to the surface. In this example, the decor product is first applied to the surface and the stencil is placed on the surface where the decor product had been applied. After the stencil has been applied to the treated area, a user may apply a second decor product to the treated area and stencil to impart multiple patterns of different decor products a surface. This process may be repeated until a desired affect is achieved. Alternatively, after applying the stencil to the treated area, the decor product that remains exposed within cutout portions of the stencil and/or in areas surrounding the peripheral edges of the stencil may be removed by decor product removing means disclosed herein. The removal of the decor product results in images similar to those with the reverse image stencils and/or the conventional stencils disclosed above.

[00188] One or more stencils may be used simultaneously to apply a visual design to a surface. When desired, one or more stencils may be used in combination with any number of other stencils contemplated in the present disclosure and/or auxiliary devices that aid in design formation and/or stencil communication. A multiplicity of stencils intended to be used together to impart a design or other graphic representation on a selected surface may be

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 coordinated with relation to one another and the room or volume of choice by coordinating, aligning, interfacing, connecting, and/or guiding systems that secure the stencils either together or apart from each other or from predetermined or random positions within a room or other volume either on the surface on which the decor is intended to be applied or any other point in the room or other volume. Examples of coordinating, aligning, interfacing, connecting, and/or guiding means useful herein include reusable or disposable pegs that anchor stencils and/or additional auxiliary devices that aid in design formation and/or stencil communication together via peg securement locations, color strips disposed along a surface of the stencils, letters, symbols, notches, and/or other indicia that guide assembly of the stencil organization. An example of a stencil coordinating mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 8-1 1.

[00189] FIG. 8 depicts a disposable and/or reusable peg 90 that can be affixed to a surface to form an anchor point on the surface for coordinating stencil placement on the surface. In this example, the peg 90 has multiple layers of adhesive strips 92 to adhere the peg to the surface, however, a single strip may be included or some other adherent mechanism such as VELCRO® dots and/or other adhesive agents known to those skilled in the art.

[00190] FIG. 9 shows a transparent layout tool 102 that may be placed on a surface 104 to be decorated. The layout tool 102 includes one or more spacing portions 106, for example, an array, sized to permit one or more pegs 90 to be inserted (as shown by arrow B) into the spacing portion and attached to the surface 104. The layout tool may also include a colored pattern that may serve as a preview for a selected decor design that may be ^'achieved using a corresponding set of stencils. To determine placement of the layout tool 102 on the surface 104 in order to, for example, center the layout tool on the surface, the user may measure a distance from a feature on the surface, for example, a floor vent, or may measure a distance from a wall or other room feature to determine desired placement of the layout tool.

[00191] By using of a plurality of pegs 90 along with the layout tool 102, a user may construct an array 1 12 of pegs attached to the surface 104 as is seen in FIG. 10. To coordinate one or more stencils on the surface 104 using the coordinating mechanism of the current embodiment, the user may place a stencil 122 or a layout tool having a hollow peg 124 centered over a hole in the stencil (not shown) on top of one of the pegs 90 adhered to the surface 104 (as shown by arrow C) to anchor the stencil on the surface. Alternatively, the

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 hole in the stencil 122 may serve to receive the peg 90 and orient the stencil on the surface. It is also envisioned that a stencil 122 may include more than one hole and/or hollow peg 124, for example, a hollow peg at each corner of a square stencil, to securely position the stencil on the surface. Further, in a similar fashion, additional layout tools 102 that include holes and/or hollow pegs 124 may be positioned on the surface 104 in a predictable and symmetrical manner by starting with a minimal number of measurements for the first layout tool position. In this way, an array of pegs 90 may be placed on a large surface using one layout tool 102 to allow a large number of stencils to be placed on the surface 104 to permit an entire surface to be decorated with at one time.

[00192] Use of coordinating, interfacing, and/or guiding means may allow the consumer to impart a decor product in predetermined or random patterns, designs, images, lines, geometric shapes, discrete images, and/or repetitive images and the like, in a visually perceived organized manner or a visually perceived disorganized and/or random manner.

[00193] Any and all images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs may be imparted on a surface using the design devices of the present disclosure. For example, images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs contemplated in the present disclosure may be regular or non-regular, linear or non-linear, and repeatable or non-repeatable patterns, including, for example, ornamental, tracery, or geometric forms, simplified primitive and symbolic images and patterns, compositional multi-object landscapes, images depicting real or imaginary stories or plots, images with text, art images, standard and/or reproducible images, real or imaginary letters, real or imaginary numbers, cartoons, real or imaginary typographical symbols, illustrations, patterns, designs, indicia, and/or shapes, and combinations thereof.

[00194] Further, images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs useful in the present disclosure may be varied by palette, combination of standard or random images, size, positioning on a surface and/or customized by combination of multiple parameters, for example, pictures, patterns, palette, size, positioning, among others. The images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs useful in the present disclosure may also be varied by coloring with reflective and/or refractive elements, optical effects provided by an overcoat, the use of optical properties of static or dynamic flat images, and/or use of tactile properties imparted to a surface by additives and/or by affixation of the decor product.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00195] It is further contemplated that images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs useful in the present disclosure may also be chosen by the consumer based on like or dislike, visual evaluation by comparing an image with a standard set of images, colors, and/or templates. The images, patterns, shapes, and or designs useful in the present disclosure may also be chosen based on an interactive digital library with changeable parameters for adjustment to specific room or other volume environments, and may also be based on computer modeling for a specific room or other volume.

[00196] Further still, the images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs contemplated may be, for example, the result of freestyle design, the creation of single color images using varied forms of stencils, the creation of multiple color images using several stencils, the creation of multiple color images using compound stencils where with a sequential and possibly repeated manner one color is applied to a surface and stencil, then a layer of stencil removed and a protective layer added to protect the first color and/or a second color is immediately applied creating a color mixture on the dual exposed areas and a single color area on the single exposure areas, transfer of prefabricated images from a carrier, and/or sequential image fabrication from standard elements such as lines, dots, and/or pixels.

[00197] Additional images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs contemplated may be unique art work, single independent images, one or more systems of connected, potentially interrelated images coordinated with the immediate environment (with a room or objects within or characteristic of a room), and/or a two way coordination of decorative images on one or more surfaces and immediate surroundings. Further, images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs contemplated may serve purposes beyond visual ornamentation, such as teaching, directing, and/or instructing, including prompts, reminders, messages, alphabets, maps, equations, phrases, poems, warnings, language tools, or indexing means (for example, bar codes).

[00198] It is also contemplated that combining one or more decor products with at least one stencil allows a user to create images that may be monochromatic with constant or varied intensity and with or without shadow effects. Further, images possible using the present disclosure may also be polychromatic with constant or varied intensity and with or without shadow effects, or may be two or more color contrast images achieved via multiple patches of colors and shapes. Polychromatic images may have mixed or intermediate colors and may or

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 may not provide complete and natural palette. Any number of variations to the appearance of a treated surface may be achieved using the compositions of the decor product envisioned in this disclosure along with or more design devices.

[00199] An example of using the decor product with a design device is described hereafter. As seen in FIG. 12, a method of applying a design to a soft surface such as a carpet is shown generally at 200. In one embodiment, the carpet is already been installed in a room and may be substantially dry, although the method may be undertaken on a wet or humid surface as well. To apply the design to the carpet, according to one method of the present disclosure, a user first selects one or more design devices at step 212.

[00200] In addition to selecting one or more design devices, a user may select one or more decor products to be incorporated into the design that may differ, for example, by color. One or more consumer aids may be used to assist the user in making these selections. The design mechanisms may include, for example, a user making a simple decorating decision, such as detennining an arrangement of design devices and colors to sophisticated computer design aids, such as CD-ROM training programs that teach color application or provide creative suggestions. Additional consumer aid design mechanisms include color analysis, matching, and blending, and may include the use of colorimeters, color scanners, and/or software algorithms. Further examples of consumer aids, are disclosed herein.

[00201] Once the user has selected one or more design devices, the user then places the design device adjacent the carpet (step 214). The one or more design devices may be placed in any arrangement on the carpet and may cover a small portion of the surface, such as a center, edge, or corner, or substantially the entire carpet, or any amount therebetween.

[00202] After the one or more design devices have been placed in a desired arrangement on the carpet, the user applies a decor product to a cutout portion of the design device at step 216. Alternatively, or in addition to, the decor product may be placed on portions of the design device that directly contact (for example, a non-cutout portion of the design device) the soft surface. Upon contacting the surface, the user may allow the decor product to substantially dry on the surface at step 218. After application of the decor product the design device may be left in place while the decor product dries or may be removed from the surface immediately after application at step 220. If the used decides not to keep the design on the surface, the user may substantially remove the decor product from the surface as described

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 herein at step 222. Otherwise, if the user decides to keep the design, the user may substantially affix the decor product to the surface as described herein at step 224. Further, the design device may be removed from the surface before or after the decor product is removed from or affixed to the surface.

[00203] An example of a stencil 230 useful in the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13. The stencil 230 consists of a stencil base 232 and a cutout portion 234. The stencil base 232, including the material containment layer (not shown), barrier layer (not shown), and a support layer 236, is made out of any appropriate material including, for example, paper, plastic, cardboard, cloth, synthetic fabric, natural fabric, cellulose, and/or metal, or any other desired material. The cutout portion 234 consists of any pattern, shape, or design desired. A support layer 236, as is visible through the cutout portion 234, is provided adjacent a bottom surface of the stencil base 232. The stencil 230 is used to create an image on a surface by applying the decor product to the cutout portion 234 of the stencil, wherein upon removal of the stencil, the design is left on the surface of the carpet. The decor product can then be removed or affixed.

[00204] A bottom view of the stencil 230 is shown in FIG. 13A, further depicting the support layer 236. The support layer 236 extends across a small portion of a bottom surface of the stencil base 232, but may extend to and/or beyond edges of the stencil base. The support layer 236 assists in securing the stencil 230 to a soft surface, securing the edges of the stencil, keeping the stencil flat, and securing and/or facilitating the transfer of a decor product. ^*

[00205] A cross section of a stencil useful in the present disclosure and similar to the stencil 230 of FIGS. 13 and 13A is shown at 240 in FIG. 14. The stencil 240 includes an absorbent top layer 242, a liquid barrier layer 244, and cutout portions 246 representing a cutout portion of a design, such as the cutout portion 234 (FIGS. 13 and 13 A). In addition, the stencil 240 may be disposed adjacent a carpet 248. The absorbent top layer 242 inhibits or prevents dripping and/or bleeding of a decor product while on the carpet 248, as well as when the stencil 240 is removed from the carpet, and may consist of, for example, paper tissue and/or a synthetic non-woven material coated with an absorbent, hydrophilic material. The liquid barrier layer 244 is disposed adjacent the absorbent top layer 242 and inhibits or

QB\510009.00717X943S479.1 prevents the decor product from seeping through to the carpet 248 and may consist of any hydrophobic material, including, for example, a polyolefin such as polyethylene.

[00206] A cross sectional view of the stencil 230 is shown in FIG. 15. The stencil 230 includes an absorbent top layer 252, a liquid barrier layer 254, and cutout portions 234, and may be disposed adjacent a carpet 259. The stencil 250 further includes a support layer 236 that may consist of a woven and/or non-woven mesh material, such as, for example, tulle, scrim, and/or cheesecloth spanning the cutout portion and that allows the decor product to substantially pass therethrough.

[00207] FIG. 16 illustrates an additional stencil that may be provided, for example, in a kit, shown generally at 270. The stencil 270 may be used at a border of a carpet and includes a stencil base 272 and a cutout portion 274. The stencil 270 also includes color strips 276 and 278 having a specific color thereon, for the purpose of aligning the stencil 270 with one or more additional stencils having corresponding and/or complementary color strips.

[00208] A stencil 280 that may be used at a comer of a carpet is shown in FIG. 17. The stencil 280 includes a stencil base 282 and a cutout portion 284. The stencil 280 further includes color strips 286 and 288 and an arrow 290 used for aligning the stencil 280 with internal surfaces of a comer of the carpet.

[00209] Two additional stencils are shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. A stencil 1000 of FIG. 18 may be used at a first end of a carpet and includes a stencil base 1020, a cutout portion 1040, and a color strip 1060. A stencil 1 100 of FIG. 19 may be used at a second end of a carpet and includes a stencil base 1120, a cutout portion 1140, and a color strip 1 160.

[00210] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate an exemplary application of the respective stencils 270, 280, 1000, 1 100 of FIGS. 16-19 to a carpet 1260 according to a sample set of instructions that may be provided in a kit along with the stencils. As shown in FIG. 20, a room 1200 is provided for illustrative purposes. The room 1200 includes a first wall 1220, a second wall 1240, and the carpet 1260. Following the instructions provided, the user is instructed to place the comer stencil 280 of FIG. 17 into a comer formed by walls 1220 and 1240, wherein the arrow 290 is pointing to the comer.

[0021 1] The user is further instructed to place first and second border stencils 270 of FIG. 16, adjacent the comer stencil 280 of FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 21. The color strip 276 of

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 the first border stencil 270 is placed on top of or adjacent the color strip (not shown) of the comer stencil 280 having the same color thereon. Likewise, the color strip 278 of the second border stencil 270 is placed on top of or adjacent the color strip (not shown) of the corner stencil 280 having the same color thereon.

[00212] Further, and as shown in FIG. 22, the user is instructed to place the first and second end stencils 1000 and 1 100 of FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively, adjacent the first and second border stencils 270. The color strip 1060 of the first end stencil 1000 is placed on top of the color strip (not shown) of the first border stencil 270 having the same color thereon. Likewise, the color strip 1160 of the second end stencil 1 100 is placed on top of the color strip (not shown) of the second border stencil 270 having the same color thereon.

[00213] The user may then apply (for example, by spraying) the decor product on the cutout portions of the stencils 270, 280, 1000, 1 100. After applying the decor product, the user may remove the stencils to view the design or pattern produced on the carpet by the remaining decor product 1520. A sample pattern created by the remaining decor product 1520 is shown generally at 1500 in FIG. 23. If the user desires to keep the pattern and affix the decor product 1520, the user may then apply (for example, by spraying) the sealant composition (not shown) referenced herein. The user may apply the sealant composition to the decor product 1520 either before or after removing the stencil.

[00214] Illustratively, a user may operate a first dispensing device to apply the decor product 1520 to the surface with or without using stencils or other design aids. The user may then operate a second dispensing device containing the sealant composition to apply the sealant composition to the decor product 1520. Before and or after allowing the decor product to dry, the user may cover the entire section of the decor 1520 product with the sealant composition or may only cover a section of the decor product 1520 with the sealant composition. After the sealant composition dissolves the decor product 1520 composition and after the sealant composition evaporates from the particulates, the decor product 1520 is affixed to the surface.

[00215] In yet an alternative embodiment, a room 1600 is shown in FIG. 24. Four walls 1620, 1640, 1660, and 1680 define outer portions of a carpet 1700. A design device, such as a grid pattern 1720, may be used in conjunction with one or more design devices, such as a stencil 1740. The grid pattern 1720 may be designed to cover all or a portion of the carpet

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 1700. Once the grid pattern 1720 is placed adjacent the carpet 1700, one or more stencils, such as the stencil 1740 having a cutout portion 1760 therethrough, may be used to create a design. The stencil 1740 and the grid pattern 1720 may include color strips, such as the color strips illustrated in FIGS. 16-19 to assist the user in arranging the design devices. Alternatively, letters, symbols, notches, indicia and/or other unique identifiers may be used to assist in arrangement of the stencil 1740 with the grid pattern 1720.

[00216] In addition to creating discrete images and the like as disclosed above, the present disclosure may be used as a resource for large area interior design in a commercial and/or non-commercial setting. In this capacity, the present disclosure may be used, for example, to create a border on a surface that would be monochromatic (solid, discrete design, random design) or polychromatic (solid, discrete design, random design) or to create a whole room change such as discrete shapes, images, design, random shapes by applying a monochromatic solid or non-solid or a polychromatic solid or non-solid decor product (full coverage) from wall to wall or that would account for complex room peripheries, such as fireplace stoops, door/entryways, jogs in walls, carpet to non-carpet thresholds, sunken or raised portions in rooms, floor vents, outlets, other built in items disruptive of surfaces in general.

[00217] Still further, the present disclosure may be used for creating a discrete image in a selected area of interest as determined by the user such as, for example, a wall, a ceiling, a doorway, an entryway, a walkway, a hallway, a stair, or a flight of stairs, or at the top of a flight of stairs, or in front of or over a hearth or fireplace.

[00218] The present disclosure also provides kits that contain one or more components herein described, including, for example, a design device and/or a decor product that may be substantially removed from a surface prior to being affixed thereon. A set of instructions may also be included in the kit instructing the user how to apply the design to a soft surface such as a carpet.

[00219] The kit may further include one or more application devices for transferring the decor product to the carpet and/or one or more fixative devices for affixing the decor product to the surface. For example, it is contemplated that the kit may include a first dispensing device containing the decor product and a second dispensing device containing the sealant composition, although the decor product and sealant composition may also be dispensed from a single dispensing device. The dispensing devices may take any form, but may be an

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 aerosol-type can or other hand-held dispensing device such as, a hand-pressurize device or a trigger-actuated device. Any dispensing device referenced herein may be used as well as any possible device that enables a user to apply the decor product and/or sealant composition to the surface. Illustratively, the kit may contain a first dispensing device having a composition, where the composition includes a liquid carrier, an emulsifier, and substantially homogenous colorant particles. The substantially homogenous colorant particles may include a colorant, a catalyst, and a resin, and the resin may include at least one of an acrylic, an acrylic latex, a polyester, a urethane, or an epoxy. The kit may further include a second dispensing device containing a sealant composition and an optional set of instructions to assist a user in applying the composition and/or the sealant composition to a surface.

[00220] In addition, the kit may include a protective covering for protecting the decor product after it has been applied to the carpet, especially while it is drying. The kit may further include a screen that is used to provide a user with an indication of what areas of the decor product have already been ironed or affixed.

[00221] As an example, the kit may be provided having one or more stencils, for example, five stencils, a decor product, an application device such as an aerosol dispenser, an affixing device such as an aerosol dispenser containing a sealant composition (for example, an organic solvent), and/or a set of instructions. The kit may also include a system to identify, choose, make, modify, and/or prepare the surface on which the decor product is to be applied.

[00222] Numerous options for customization of the present disclosure may be utilized with the assistance of one or more consumer aids. Consumer aids contemplated in the present disclosure, which may be provided in a kit, individually and/or in any suitable fashion, include any and all design mechanisms and/or aids and devices that enable the consumer to use the present disclosure including instructions, color predicting aids, design templates showing the look prior to and or after decorating possibly using a software algorithm to present a retrospective view of a surface treated with the decor product, instructional videos, CD-ROMs, internet web pages to select and predict designs, colors, and overall looks, interactive computers terminals, in store displays, customer service, advertising, training courses, recorded messages, text messages, mailings, books, literature, lectures, training courses, correspondence courses, and any combination thereof, as well as, other communicating means. Examples of consumer aids useful in the present disclosure include

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435 79.1 those disclosed in Attorney Docket No. J-4923, filed the same day as the present disclosure, and which is incorporated by reference. Through the aforementioned communicating means, a user may be taught, for example, how to use a kit including the present disclosure. Further, the user may be instructed how to employ the disclosure for commercial applications such as, for example, interior design applications.

[00223] Additional consumer aids include devices to be employed by persons such as a user, an agent of the user, a trainer, a displayer, a salesman, a teacher, or a technician to enable the user to use the present disclosure such as color carpet chips, for example, pieces of carpet with differing decor product formulations of differing coverage affixed thereon to demonstrate how different decor product formulations appear on different types and/or colors of carpet. Further consumer aids include color templates, for example, sheets of opaque or clear material of different colors with different colors of decor product affixed thereon with instructional ratios of the base colorants used to make each decor product color to allow the user to make each decor product color from the separate base colorants and other additives. One example of a consumer aid contemplated herein is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No 12,317,633.

[00224] Illustratively, in FIG. 25 an exemplary consumer aid 2000 is shown that enables a user to preview how a pattern will appear in a certain color (or shade or tint or texture, and any other variation) on a surface when the consumer aid is placed on the surface. The consumer aid 2000 may enable the user to make or mix the decor product and/or assist the user in selecting the color of the decor product that would be an appropriate and/or aesthetically pleasing color and/or contrast when compared to the base color of the surface. The consumer aid 2000, in this case, is included in a kit having two decor products of differing colors, such as dark gray and white. Further, the consumer aid 2000 includes instructions on how to achieve each variation in pattern displayed on the consumer aid, in this case varying shades of gray. The consumer aid 2000 of the current embodiment includes a transparent sheet 2002 upon which is disposed a pattern 2004 that is repeated a number of times, such as six times. Each repeat has a different shade of gray becoming more white progressing from upper left to lower right, as is seen by comparing, for example, pattern 2004 and pattern 2006. Beneath each pattern repeat is a ratio printed on the transparent sheet 2002 that indicates a mixture percentage, such as is seen at 2008 where a mixture of 100 percent

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 dark gray and 0 percent white is indicated or as is seen at 2010 where a mixture of 20 percent dark gray and 80 percent white is indicated. In this way, a user may achieve each of the shades of gray associated with each pattern repeat by mixing the dark gray and white decor products included in the kit at the percentages indicated. Further, any color may be created in this manner by mixing appropriate amounts of differing colored decor products. Further, any sort of instructions is contemplated to instruct a user to achieve a given color and/or pattern appearance. Further, the kit may also include a combined mixing and application device that contains the decor product(s) and corresponds with the consumer aid, such that the percentages given the example above for mixing dark gray and white decor products may indicate how to adjust the settings on the mixing and application device to achieve the indicated color or shade or texture shown on the consumer aid 2000.

[00225] Additional consumer aids include carpet templates, stencil templates, for example, templates illustrative of different images and image characteristics that are possible or desirable to a user, as well as how different stencils can be used together, positional templates, for example, templates that indicate to a user how a decor product image can be incorporated on a surface in a given space, tester samples (similar to the tester samples supplied by Benjamin Moore & Co.), trial periods, color matching sheets, for example, similar to color matching sheets used in make-up matching to skin tones, used to match colors, or to predict color look and contrast, color blending sheets, for example, similar to color matching sheets that further allow a user to preview combined colors on a surface, color charts, color graphs, color analysis devices, colorimeters, color.scahners, software algorithms for color assessment and formulating colors, and other means for deternrining proportions and types of decor product to be used for a specified or unspecified surface in a room, hallway, house, building, or other area.

[00226] In addition, by mixing differently colored decor products, any number of additional colors may be formed. As an example, a user ay purchase one or more pre- formulated decor products including colored toners and/or other decor particles or may mix various colored toners to achieve any desired color. Design mechanisms such as color charts, color analysis devices, or other ways for determining the proportion and type of colored toner to achieve a particular color can also be provided to a user. Additionally, a user may directly apply the toners to the surface or the toners may be incorporated into the decor product such

QB 510009.00717\943₅479.1 as by mixing the toner with water or another solvent, or a predetermined formulation of more than one part to make a liquid suspension or emulsion, for example, and then applied to the surface.

[00227] Additional consumer aids include devices to be employed by the user to help the user identify, (for example, tools and/or kits used to identify the type or composition of carpet fibers to help direct the user toward a particular decor product formulation), choose, make, modify (for example, kits or compounds that can be included in kits to alter the physical appearance of a surface, such as an embossing compound), combine, and prepare surfaces on which a decor product may be applied and or affixed. These consumer aids enable the user to choose the correct decor product formulation for a given surface to have a given intended effect, for example, a textured look on a soft surface or a smooth look on a hard surface, or any combination thereof.

[00228] Further, the consumer aids will help users in choosing, making, modifying, combining and/or preparing design devices, such as a stencil, to render images, patterns, shapes, and/or designs to be imparted to the surface when applying the stencil and/or a decor product to the intended surface. Still further, the consumer aids contemplated help or assist the user in choosing, using, making, modifying, and/or preparing decor product formulations that may be ready-to-use or require preparation prior to application to a surface.

[00229] In addition to selecting one or more design devices, a user may select one or more colors to incorporate into the design. One or more design mechanisms may be used to assist the user in making these selections. The design mechanisms may include, for example, a user making a simple decorating decision, such as determining an arrangement of design devices and colors to sophisticated computer design aids, such as CD-ROM training programs that teach color application or provide creative suggestions. Additional design mechanisms include color analysis, matching, and blending, and may include the use of colorimeters, color scanners, and/or software algorithms.

[00230] Additional consumer aids may take the form of store displays and or presentations of the disclosure, including, for example, the decor product packaged in liquid form or powder form to be suspended in liquid immediately before use, and/or one or multiple decor product colors and decor product additives to be mixed before use, and or a kit comprising elements of the present disclosure such as multiple or single colors, one or more designs,

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 instructions, an application device, a fixative device, a protective covering, and/or an iron screen or other indicator, such as, for example, a color changing additive, to differentiate between fixed and unfixed areas of the applied decor product.

[00231] Illustrative chemistries useful in a decor product composition includes a low temperature cure epoxy decor particle, a low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle, and/or a low temperature cure polyester-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) decor particle. Typical ranges of constituents of the aforementioned decor particles contemplated in the present disclosure include an amount of binder, which includes at least a polymer or resin and one or more curatives, based on weight percentages of about 50% or greater of the total weight of the decor particle. Further, other components of the decor particle, including, for example, additives, fillers, pigments, degassing agents, flow additives, and the like, may be included in amounts ranging from about 50% or less of the total weight of the decor particle. Such ranges may be adjusted to attain the desired characteristics of the decor particle as appropriate as is known to those skilled in the art. Further, to assure full stoichiometry of reactions between polymers and/or resins and curatives, amounts of polymers and/or resins and curatives used may range from about 50% to about 150% based on relative equivalent weights of the compounds and/or as recommended by the manufacturer.

[00232] A low temperature cure epoxy decor particle may include a binder system that has an epoxy resin and a curative. An example of an epoxy resin is a bisphenol A resin having the following general chemical structure of Formula I:

Formula I:

QB\510009.00717N9435479.1 wherein n is an integer from 2 to 20.

[00233] Bisphenol A epoxy resins useful in a decor particle include those resins having an epoxy equivalent weight of about 650 to about 900, or about 700 to about 750; a Tg of about 45°C to about 75°C, or about 55°C; and/or an IC1 cone and plate viscosity of about 5 poise to about 100 poise, or about 35 poise at 150°C.

[00234] Another example of an epoxy resin useful in a decor product formulation is a novolac epoxy resin. Examples of novolac epoxy resins include the following general chemical structures of Formulas II and III:

Formula II:

wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4.

[00235] The glass transition temperatures and viscosities of the novolac epoxy resins are similar to those provided above for the bisphenol A epoxy resins. A curative agent useful in a binder system that has an epoxy resin includes, for example, a phenolic curative. An example of a phenolic curative agent is Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 supplied by Huntsman Advanced Materials (Switzerland) GmbH, which is compatible with bisphenol-A-based epoxy resins and novolac-epoxy-based resins. The Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 contains

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 phenol, 4,4'-(l-methylethylidene)bis-, polymer with 2,2'-[(l-methylethylidene)bis(4,l- phenyleneoxymethylene)]bis[oxirane] (commonly described as a polymer of epoxy resin and bisphenol A), a Huntsman Advanced Materials confidential accelerator, and Phenol, 4,4'-(l- methylethylidene)bis- (commonly known as Bisphenol A). The Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 has the following properties: amine value of 0.83-0.93 eq/kg, recommended combining weight of about 135, and a softening point of 84°C to 94°C.

[00236] Stoichiometric ratios of the epoxy resin and the curative are calculated based on the combining weights, or equivalent values, of resins and curatives. Values of the combining weights may be determined by chemical structure (for example, average molecular weight divided by the number of reactive groups, amine values, acid or hydroxyl numbers, etc.) or empirically based on laboratory experiments. For example, using a lower molecular type 3 bisphenol A epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) of 700 and Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 with a manufacturer recommended equivalent weight of 135, the calculation for a full (100%) stoichiometry is shown below in Table No. 2.

[00237] Table No. 2. Full Stoichiometry of an Epoxy Resin and Curative Agent Decor Particle.

In other embodiments, the epoxy resin and curative agent ratio may range from, for example, about 84% to about 85% epoxy resin to about 16% to about 15% curative agent. To lower the cure temperature of an epoxy decor particle, accelerants and/or catalysts such as, for example, a phenolic curative may be incorporated into the composition. An illustrative phenolic curative has a combining weight of about 100 to about 500. Other accelerants and/or catalysts compatible with epoxy resins known to those skilled in the art may also be used. An illustrative cure condition for an epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle includes a bake time of about 15 minutes at about 150°C, or less.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 201

-71-

[00238] The low temperature cure epoxy decor particle composition may include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature cure epoxy decor particle composition may include the following constituents as shown below in Table No. 3.

Table No. 3. Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituent Weight %

Bisphenol A Epoxy 48 - 58

Bisphenol A Curative 9 - 1 1

Flow Additive 0.2 - 3

Degassing Agent 0.2 - 5

Colorant 0.3 - 40

Filler 10 - 30

[00239] Another illustrative chemistry useful in a decor product is a low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle that has a binder system having a low temperature cure epoxy and a polyester resin. Illustrative epoxy resins include the bisphenol A epoxy resins or Novolac epoxy resins described above. An illustrative polyester resin includes an acid terminated saturated polyester resin. The polyester resin may have an acid number of between about 75 and about 85. Example includes acid terminated saturated polyesters used as a co-reactant in epoxy-polyester hybrid coating powder formulations. The polyester may be synthesized from neopentyl glycol, terephthalic acid, trimellitic anhydride, and other types of glycols and dibasic organic acids. The branched polyesters may have resin functionalities of about 2 to about 4, or of about 2.5 to about 3.5 (indicating, that about 2.5 to about 3.5 carboxyl groups per polyester molecule). Resin acid numbers may range from about 35 to about 90 with hydroxyl numbers of about 5 to about 10 (residual hydroxyl). Acid terminated, saturated polyester resins suitable for combination with epoxy resins may have an acid number of about 70 to about 90, or about 80; a calculated combining weight (combining weight equals 56, 100/acid number) of about 625 to about 800, or about 700; a glass transition temperature about 45°C to about 60°C, or about 55°C; and/or an ICI cone and plate viscosity of about 15 poise to about 50 poise, or about 25 poise, at about 200°C.

[00240] To lower the cure temperature of an epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle, an accelerant and/or catalyst such as, for example, a stannous-organic and/or imidazole-type compound may be incorporated into the composition. Other accelerants and/or catalysts

QB\510009.0071 A943₅479.1 known to those skilled in the art may also be used. An illustrative cure condition for an epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle includes a bake time of about 15 minutes at about 150°C, or less.

[00241] Stoichiometric ratios for an epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle may be calculated based on the combining weights of resins and curatives. However, as known in the art, molecular structure and chemical functionalities may differ and fluctuate for organic polymer products, making the depiction and calculation of chemical reactions more difficult and ambiguous than for inorganic chemical reactions. Illustratively, stoichiometric ratios may be calculated based on combining weights (also referred to as equivalent values) of epoxy and acid-terminated polyester resins. The values of the combining weights may be determined by chemical structure (for example, average molecular weight divided by the number of reactive groups, amine values, acid numbers, etc.). For example, a lower molecular weight type 3 bisphenol A epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent weight of 700 and an acid terminated saturated polyester resin with an average number of 80 (combining weight of polyester equals 56,100 divided by 80, which equals approximately 700), provides a full (100%) stoichiometric calculation as shown below in Table No. 4.

Table No. 4. Full Stoichiometry of an Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor

[00243] The low temperature epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle composition may include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature cure epoxy- polyester hybrid decor particle composition may include the following constituents as shown below in Table No. 5.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 [00244] Table No. 5. Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituent Weight %

Bisphenol A Epoxy 29 - 34

SP3320 Hybrid Polyester 29 - 34

Flow Additive 0.2 - 3

2-PI (Catalyst) 0.2 - 0.8

Degassing Agent 0.2 - 5

Colorant 0.3 - 40

Filler 10 - 30

[00245] Another illustrative chemistry useful in a decor product is a low temperature cure polyester-triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) decor particle. Illustratively, a polyester includes an acid terminated saturated polyesters synthesized using, for example, a monomer such as trimethylolpropane, terephthalic acid, neopentyl glycol, adipic acid, hexanediol, 1,4- cyclohexyldimethanol, and isophthalic acid, and pentanediol. The polyesters in one embodiment have resin functionalities of about 2.05 to about 2.2 (that is, about 2.05 to about 2.2 carboxyl groups per polyester molecule). The resin acid numbers may range from about 20 to about 60, or range on average from about 28 to about 38. The hydroxyl numbers may range from about 5 to about 10 (residual hydroxyl). TGIC is a trifunctional epoxide resin that is used as a hardener in polyester-based powder formulations. The combining weight of TGIC is 106. Illustratively, an acid terminated, saturated polyester resins suitable for combination with TGIC in a low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle possess, for example, an acid number about 30 to about 40, or about 35; a calculated combining weight (combining weight equals 56,100 divided by acid number) of about 1 ,400 to about 1,870, or about 1,600; a glass transition temperature about 45°C to about 70°C, or about 55°C; and/or an ICI cone and plate viscosity of about 15 poise to about 50 poise, or about 25 poise, at

200°C.

[00246] To lower the cure temperature of a polyester-TGIC decor particle, an accelerant and/or catalyst such as, for example, triphenylethyl phosphonium bromide and/or imidazole- type compounds may be incorporated into the composition. Other accelerants and/or catalysts known to those skilled in the art may also be used. For example, glycidyl curative chemistries such as aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and methacrylate-based glycidyl compounds with equivalent weights of about 50 to about 1,000 and melt temperatures below

QB\510009.00717\9435 79.1 about 125°C may by utilized in the low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle. An illustrative cure condition for a polyester-TGIC decor particle includes a bake time of about 15 minutes at about 135°C.

[00247] As mentioned above, molecular structures and chemical functionalities may differ and fluctuate for organic polymer products. Illustratively, stoichiometric ratios are calculated based on the combining weights of epoxy and acid terminated polyester resins. Values of the combining weights may be determined from the chemical structure of the respective compounds. For example, an acid terminated saturated polyester with an average acid number of 35 (combining weight of polyester equals 56,100 divided by 35, which equals approximately 1 ,600) combined with TGIC, provides a full (100%) stoichiometric calculation as shown below in Table No. 6.

[00248] Table No. 6. Full Stoichiometry of a Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle.

[00249] Due to the large molecular size of the polyester resin and the small molecular size and spherical shape of TGIC, a about 10% to about 15% stoichiometric surplus of TGIC may be utilized to achieve, for example, a polyester resin/TGIC ratio of 93/7.

[00250] The low temperature polyester-TGIC decor particle composition may include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature polyester-TGIC decor particle composition may include the following constituents shown below in Table No. 7.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 Table No. 7. Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituents Weight %

RUCOTE® 921 Polyester 54 - 63

TGIC 4 - 5

Flow Additive 0.2 - 3

Degassing Agent 0.2 - 5

Colorant 0.3 - 40

Filler 10 - 30

[00251] An alternative carboxyl polyester resin curative to TGIC includes, for example, PRIMID® (EMS-PRIMID, a unit of EMS-Chemie AG). PRIMID® is a beta-hydroxyl alkyl amide curative. However, PRIMID® may require longer cure times than a TGIC-based chemistry, as well as a PRIMID® based coating may appear slightly more orange than a TGIC-based coating. Pinholes and blistering may also be an issue with the use of a PRIMID® based decor particle where a coating thickness exceeds 4.0 mils.

[00252] For example, a low temperature polyester-PRIMID® decor particle composition may include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature polyester- TGIC decor particle composition may include the following constituents shown below in Table No. 7a.

[00253] Table No. 7a. Low Temperature Cure Polyester-PRIMID D6cor Particle Compositions.

Approx,

Constituents Weight %

Crylcoat® 2671 -3 Polyester 70 - 83

PRIMID® XL-552 5 - 7

Flow Additive 0.5 - 3

Degassing Agent 1 - 3

Colorant 0.3 - 25

Filler 0 - 20

[00254] Polyurethane based decor particles may be arrived at by combining a hydroxy 1 polyester resin with a triazole blocked polyisocyanate cross-linking agent, and may further include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature polyurethane

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 decor particle composition may include the following constituents shown below in Table No. 7b.

[00255] Table No. 7b. Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituents Weight %

Albester 3160 65 - 77

Alcure 4470 1 1 - 14

Flow Additive 0.5 - 3

Degassing Agent 1 - 3

Colorant 0.3 - 25

Filler 0 - 24

[00256] An example of epoxy-functional acrylic copolymer-based decor particles may be arrived at by combining an acrylic epoxy resin with a polyamine cross-linking agent and a carboxylic acid-based crosslinker, and may further include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature acrylic epoxy decor particle composition may include the following constituents shown below in Table No. 7c.

[00257] Table No. 7c. Low Temperature Cure Acrylic Epoxy Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituents Weight %

Fine Clad A-257 80 - 86

Ancamine 2441 3 - 5

Dodecane Dicarboxylic Acid 3 - 5

Colorant 8 - 12

[00258] A further example of epoxy-functional acrylic copolymer-based decor particles may be arrived at by combining an acrylic epoxy resin with a modified polyamine cross- linking agent, and may further include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, a low temperature acrylic epoxy decor particle composition may include the following constituents shown below in Table No. 7d.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00259] Table No. 7d. Low Temperature Cure Acrylic Epoxy Decor Particle Compositions.

Approx.

Constituents Weight %

Fine Clad A-257 80 - 88

Isophthalic dihydrazide 7 - 10

Colorant 2 - 10

[00260] As mentioned above, a decor product, which includes a decor particle, may include any desired colorant and/or additive. Illustratively, the decor particle composition may include, for example, a flow additive, a degassing agent, a surfactant or wetting agent, an antioxidant, a heat stabilizer, a ultraviolet light absorber, a wax, a silicone additive, a catalyst, a texturing agent, an electrical charge control agent, an electrical conductivity agent, a processing aid, a filler, and combinations thereof.

[00261 ] Flow additives may be utilized in formulating a decor particle composition to, for example, reduce or prevent cratering of a finished cured product and/or to improve flow and leveling. Illustratively, the flow additives may be low molecular acrylic polymers, either in liquid form (for example, a liquid containing about 100% active substance), or in solid form (for example, a solid with about 65% active substance). Examples of flow additives include Acronal® 4F (about 100% active, BASF), Byk 363 P (about 65% active, BYK-Chemie), RESIFLOW® P-67 (manufactured by Estron Chemical), RESIFLOW® PF-67 (about 65% active, Estron Chemical), MODAFLOW™ 3 (about 65% active, Monsanto), and POWDERMATE™ 486 CFL (about 65% active, Troy Corp.). Illustratively, a flow additive may be added to a decor particle composition in a range of between about 0.3% to about 1% of 100% active flow additive per total formula weight of the decor particle.

[00262] A degassing agent may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, aid in the evaporation of volatile products within the composition during the heating and/or curing cycle to reduce and or prevent pinholing (volatile bubbles being trapped at the surface boundary between the finish and the air). Some degassing agents, such as Benzoin (Velsicol Chemical Corp.), may solvate the resin/curative mix during the liquid phase of the cure process. Other degassing agents are surfactant-like and other are wax-like and affect the surface tension of the film surface to promote degassing. Illustratively, a decor particle

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 composition may contain from about 0.2% to about 2% of active degassing agent per total formula weight of the decor particle. For example, a decor particle that is curable between about 135 C and about 149 C (for example a polyester-PRIMID® chemistry), may contain a combination of about 1% to about 1.8% OXYMELT® A-2 or A-4 (Estron Chemical) and about 0.2% Benzoin per total formula weight of the decor particle.

[00263] A surfactant or wetting agent that may be used in a decor product or decor particle composition may, for example, promote colorant and/or filler wetting, and/or improve the flow and/or leveling of a finished cured product. In addition, a surfactant or wetting agent may promote substrate wet-out during the cure reaction, which may improve adhesion and/or corrosion resistance. The addition of surfactants may also increase gloss and distinctness of image of the cured film as well. Illustratively, surfactant levels can range from 0.1% to about 0.5% of active substance per total formula weight of the decor particle. Examples of surfactants or wetting agents include cationic, anionic functional organic compounds, silane, and polysiloxane, including, for example, NUOSPERSE™ 657 (manufactured by Elementis Specialties) and SURFYNOL™ 104 S (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.). Further, surfactants contemplated for use herein may also be used to aid in suspension stabilization. For example, a sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate sold as AEROSOL® OT-SE available from Cytec Industries, Inc. (West Paterson, NJ) is contemplated for use herein. Further suitable examples include the Tergitol™ line of products from Dow Chemical, sodium lauryl sulfate, the Pluronic® product line from BASF, and the Tween® and Span® series of surfactants from Croda International. ·"

[00264] An antioxidant or heat stabilizer may be used in a decor particle composition to, for example, inhibit or prevent heat induced yellowing during the curing and/or heating cycle. Illustratively, an antioxidant or heat stabilizer may be used in a white or relatively light colored decor particle composition in an amount from about 0.2% to about 0.5% of active substance per total formula weight of the decor particle. More or less antioxidant or heat stabilizer may be used with other colored decor particles. Examples of antioxidants include Irganox® 1076 (Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp.) and Irganox® B-225 Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp.). An example of a heat stabilizer is Sandostab® P-EPQ (Clariant).

[00265] Anticorrosive agents may be used in compositions contemplated herein. Examples of suitable anticorrosive agents include potassium hydrogen phosphate (CAS No.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 7758-1 1-4) available from Rhodia (Cranbury, NT), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (CAS No. 7778-77-0), sodium nitrite, benzoic acid, and amino alcohols, such as one of the AMP series, for example AMP-95, available from Angus Chemical Company (Buffalo Grove, IL). Additional examples contemplated herein include cathodic protectors (available from Asbury Carbons), anodic protectors (available from Asbury Carbons), amines such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,707,733, incorporated by reference, phosphoryl esters, sodium phosphate salts, borates (such as sodium octaborate; available from MITSUI CHEMICALS AMERICA, INC), liquid phase inhibitors, and vapor phase inhibitors.

[00266] An ultraviolet light absorber can be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, improve ultraviolet resistance (for example, weatherability) of a cured finished product. Used in combination with antioxidants and/or heat stabilizers, the performance of ultraviolet absorbers can be further enhanced.

[00267] A wax may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, control the gloss and/or flow of a cured decor product. A wax may also be used to add texturing to a cured decor product. Additionally, some wax additives may improve mar and scratch resistance of a cured decor product. Illustratively, a wax from a natural product, such as Carnauba wax, beeswax, or synthetic waxes, such as hydrocarbon compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons, and PTFE comprise a large percentage of waxes and may be used in the decor product and/or decor particle composition. Examples of wax additives include DT3329-1 (Ciba Geigy), Castor Wax, Powder Tex 61 (Shamrock Technologies, Inc.), Lanco® TF-1778 (available from Noveon Inc.), and Lanco® PP-1362D (available from Noveon, Inc.).

[00268] A silicone additive may also be added to a decor particle composition to improve, for example, mar and scratch resistance of a cured decor product. Although not wishing to be held by theory, it is believed that the silicone additives reduce the coefficient of friction that may affect, for example, intercoat adhesion in a two-coat system. Examples of silicone additives include polysiloxane and silicone oil.

[00269] Catalysts such as 2-Propyl imidazole may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, accelerate cure speed, lower cure temperature, and/or improve physical and or chemical properties of the cured product.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00270] Texturing agents may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, alter and/or manipulate the viscosity of the composition.

[00271] Electrical charge control additives may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, control transfer efficiency. Examples include TI UVTN® 144 (Ciba Specialty Chemicals), barium titanate, and quaternary ammonium salts.

[00272] Electrical conductivity additives may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, dissipate electrical charge in the composition and/or finished product. The electrical conductivity additives may be, for example, filler-like, pigment-like, or wax-like in nature. For example, an electrical conductivity additive contemplated herein includes AI2O3.

[00273] Processing aids may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, facilitate processing of the composition. Processing aids are well known to those skilled in the art.

[00274] Colorants may be added to a decor particle composition to, for example, obtain a desired color. Illustrative pigments include organic and inorganic pigments, including, for example, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black, heat stabilized iron oxide, calcinated mixed metal oxide, diarylide, condensed disazo, and phthalo blue. Illustrative colorants and amounts that may be used individually or in combination in the decor product and/or decor particle composition are provided below in Table No. 8.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [00275] Table No. 8. Pigments.

Numerous other organic and inorganic colorants known to those skilled in the art may be utilized in the compositions herein described.

[00276] A filler may also be added to a decor particle composition. Two illustrative fillers include calcium carbonate and barium sulfate (CaC0₃ and BaS0₄, respectively, both manufactured by Fisher Chemicals). The calcium carbonate fillers added to the decor product and/or decor particle compositions may, for example, reduce gloss, as well as the flow of an applied finish at higher concentrations. Wollastonite-type fillers may also be utilized as fillers in the decor product and/or decor particle compositions. Talcum, clay, dolomite, and magnesium-aluminum-silicate in powder form, usually ground to 1-10 microns average particle size, or micron sized glass beads, may also be used as fillers to obtain specific properties, such as, for example, corrosion resistance, gloss control, and/or film texture. Further, alumina may be added as an antistatic agent

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00277] Further, fillers, clays, and gums may serve as rheology modifiers by aiding in the stabilization of particle suspensions, as well as in the flow properties of such suspension, as is known in the art. Examples of clays contemplated include, for example, those described in U.S. Patent No. 7,288,585. Additional examples include Veegum® granules, Bentone clays, and silica thickeners. One possible example of suitable Veegum® granules is Veegum® D granules available from R. T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc. (Norwalk, CT). Additional examples contemplated for use herein include smectite clays, for example, the Laponite series, available from Southern Clay Products,. Inc. (Gonzales, TX). Suitable Laponite grades include Laponite B, D, DF, J, RS, RDS, S, S482, XLG, XLS, and XL21.

[00278] Illustrative gums and appropriate substitutes contemplated for use herein include xanthan gum, guar gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, Acrysol thickener products available from Rohm & Haas (Philadelphia, PA), polyacrylic polymers, and polyvinyl alcohol, and the like. An example of a suitable xanthan gum contemplated for use herein is Kelzan® HP, available from CP Kelco (San Diego, CA).

[00279] Additional rheology modifiers contemplated herein include cellulosics, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethanes (huers), surfactant gels, polyesters, and polysaccharides, such as chitins.

[00280] Illustratively, a decor product is applied to a surface to achieve a film thickness of about 0.004 mils to about 2.2 mils (about 0.01 microns to about 56 microns) upon curing or affixing the decor product, or to achieve coverage of about 0.02· to about 0.1 g dry decor product per square inch of surface, such as a carpet.

[00281] A decor particle formulation such as those embracing low temperature cure epoxy chemistry, low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid chemistry, low temperature cure polyester-TGIC chemistry, low temperature cure PRIMID® chemistry, and low temperature cure polyurethane chemistry may be prepared in accordance with the following general processing procedure.

[00282] Formulation constituents are dry mixed either through low-intensity tumble- mixing or through high-intensity dry-blending performed in a mixer containing a vertical or horizontal mixing shaft with blades rotating at 50-1,000 rpm. Formulations are low-intensity tumble-mixed for about 5 to about 20 minutes, for example, or high-intensity dry-mixed for

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 about 1 to about 5 minutes, for example, depending on batch size. Mixing serves to homogenize the active chemical ingredients and to disperse inert ingredients for enhanced color consistency and to avoid protrusions in applied films. Batch sizes may range from quarts to kiloliters in size. After dry-blending, the temperature of the mixture is maintained at or below about 40°C to prevent lumping or meltdown.

[00283] The mixtures are extruded within minutes to hours after dry-mixing. Single screw extruders with reciprocating screw shaft movements, also called co-kneaders, and twin screw extruders with co-rotating screw shafts are suitable extruders, as well as planetary extruders, counter-rotating twin screw extruders, or single screw extruders. Illustrative extruder size ranges from table-top laboratory models with 10-30 mm screw diameters and 1-5 kg per hour theoretical outputs to production models with 30 to over 300 mm screw diameters and 100 kg to over 2,000 kg per hour theoretical outputs.

[00284] The extruders for processing may be heated via water, oil, or electrical heat jacket located on the outside of the extruder barrels. Extruder barrel processing temperatures may range from about 70°C to about 125°C, though temperatures outside this range may be used to achieve desired properties in some applications. Some extruder barrel heaters utilized in the powder processing may be segmented, in which case, the premix intake zone of the extruder may be run cold or at a minimal heat of about 40°C to about 50°C. Depending on extruder and screw design, a barrel heat of about 100°C ± 15°C is adequate for processing highly-reactive, low temperature cure powder coating formulas. The screws may have a helical section in the premix intake area and "paddle" sections for dispersing and melt-mixing the extrudate. Residence time of the extrudate within the extruder typically does not exceed about 60 seconds. The production extruders used for processing the powder coatings are run between about 50 and about 750 rpm screw speed. Screw speeds and extruder barrel temperatures are selected to obtain between about 50% to about 90% torque. Extrudate temperatures range from about 100°C to about 125°C as a result of extruder barrel heat and frictional heat from the rotating screws. The extrudate is immediately cooled after exiting the extruder to solidify the material for further processing and to arrest chemical reactions. The extrudate is gravity-fed into counter-rotating chill rolls set about 1.5 to about 3 mm apart. The resulting extrudate sheet is transported on a cooling belt to a flaker or crusher unit where the sheet is broken into flakes under about 1 inch square in size. Cooling belt temperatures

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 from about 5°C to about 35°C are maintained during processing. The resulting flakes are milled and characterized using air classifying mills (ACM), cyclones, and sieves, to determine particle size distributions and mean particle sizes. Illustratively, a particle size distribution for a decor particle ranges from about 90% by volume or more of the particles having a size less than about 100 microns, or less than about 25 microns, or less than about 10 microns, or from about 0.1 to about 50 microns, or from about 1 to about 20 microns, or from about 3 to about 10 microns, or from greater than about 750 nm to about 100 microns. Further examples of particle sizes include particles from about 20 to about 80 microns, or from about 25 to about 75 microns, or from about 30 to about 70 microns, or from about 35 to about 75, or from about 40 to about 60 microns, or from about 40 to about 80 microns, or about 40 to about 50 microns, or from about 50 to about 60 microns in size, or about 40 microns, or about 45 microns, or about 50 microns, or about 55 microns, or about 60 microns, or larger or smaller particle sizes depending on the desired application. All equipment is purged after processing different formulas or colors to avoid chemical or color cross- contamination.

[00285] An emulsified decor product may be prepared in accordance with the following general processing procedure. In a one-gallon glass container, initially an emulsifier is added to a powder, such as a NATURA™ toner and/or a decor particle and mixed to thoroughly coat the powder with the emulsifier. Water is then added to the powder and emulsifier mixture and is blended using an I A-Werke Eurostar power basic mixer at a speed of about 750 rpm for about 4 hours. Additional additives may be added if so desired at any point during preparation of the decor product. After the 4 hour blending period, the mixture is further mixed by continuously mixing at room temperature on a magnetic stir heat plate (Isotemp #409N0063 available from Fisher-Scientific) with a 2-inch magnetic stir bar at 100 rpm for an additional 24 hours. Illustratively, an emulsified decor product composition may include the following constituents as shown below in Table No. 9.

QB\510009.00717W35479.1 Table No. 9. Emulsified Decor Product Composition.

[00286] Similarly, a rheology modifier-containing composition may be formulated using a procedure similar to that described below.

[00287] A rheology modifier-containing composition may include the following constituents as shown below in Table No. 9a.

[00288] Table No. 9a. Rheology Modifier-containing Composition.

[00289] For example, a rheology modifier-containing composition may include, for example, about 0.12 to about 0.3% by weight of a thickener, about 0.05 to about 0.1% by weight of a gum, about 1.0 to about 1.5%) by weight of a clay, about 0.1 to about 0.75% by weight of a sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, about 0.75 to about 1.25%) by weight of propylene glycol, about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of an anticorrosive agent, about 0.1 to about 0.5% by weight of a biocide, substantially homogeneous particles including a colorant and a resin, and a liquid carrier.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [00290] The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting in any way. Unless otherwise stated, all percentages recited in these examples are weight percents based on total specified composition weight.

EXAMPLES

[00291] The decor particle compositions of examples 1-24 were prepared using the general processing procedure described above by blending (mixing) and processing the constituents on a 19 mm APV laboratory twin screw extruder (Model No. MP19TC-25, manufactured by Baker Perkins) with co-rotating screws at 100°C barrel temperature, 400 rpm screw speed, and 50% to 90% torque. The extrudate was cooled on chill rolls that resulted in 3/32 inch (about 3 mm) thick solid extrudate sheets. The sheets were broken into flakes no larger than 1 square inch (6.45 cm²) in size. The flakes may be ground on air-cooled jet mills and classified to a particle size range of about 0 microns to about 80 microns, or larger.

[00292] The following steps are taken to achieve a specific size range, such as, for example from about 40 to about 60 microns. The resulting particle powder from the above procedure is first dry sieved through a 60 micron sieve, and the pass through is collected, thus removing anything above 60 microns. The second step is to dry sieve the pass through using a 40 micron sieve, and discarding the pass through, to eliminate relatively large particles that are smaller than 40 microns in size. In the final step, a slurry of the remaining particles is made in water and then strained through a 40 micron filter cloth to remove any small particles attached to., large particles. The particles may then be used to prepare decor product compositions, such as those described herein.

[00293] The decor products of examples 25-28 were prepared using the general processing procedure described above by mixing the decor particle or toner and emulsifier for a period of time until the decor particles or toner were coated with the emulsifying agent or agents. Water was then added and thoroughly mixed as described above.

[00294] In the composition of Table Nos. 10-25, the trademark KUKDO® KD-242G (manufactured by Kukdo Chemical Co., LTD) is a type 3 bisphenol-A epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent weight of about 700 g/eq. In the composition of Table Nos. 10-17, Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 (manufactured by Huntsman Advanced Materials) is a proprietary phenolic curative containing phenol, 4,4'-(l-methylethylidene)bis-, polymer with

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 2,2 '-[( 1 -methylethylidene)bis(4, 1 -phenyleneoxymethylene)]bis[oxirane] (commonly described as a polymer of epoxy resin and bisphenol A), a confidential accelerator, and phenol, 4,4'-(l-methylethylidene)bis- (commonly known as bisphenol A). In the composition of Table Nos. 18-25, Actiron NXJ-60 (manufactured by Advanced Technology & Industrial Co.) is a 2-propylimidazole catalyst. In the composition of Table Nos. 10-13, 18-21 , and 26-29, the trademark TI-PURE® Ti0₂ R-960 (manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) is a titanium oxide white pigment. In the composition of Table Nos. 1 1 -12, 14-15, 19-20, 22-23, 27, and 30-31, Y 10M (CAS. No. 51274-00-1, manufactured by ABCR) is an iron oxide yellow pigment. In the composition of Table Nos. 1 1 , 19, and 27-29, 274-0033 (CAS No. 5468-75-7, manufactured by ABCR) is a yellow pigment having the chemical formula of 2,2'-((3,3'-dichloro(l ,l'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diyl) bis(azo)) bis(N-(2-M- ehylphenyl)-3-oxobutyramide). In the composition of Table Nos. 11 , 19, and 27, HR-70 Yellow (manufactured by Clariant) is a yellow organic pigment. In the composition of Table No. 46, Hostaperm Pink E-WD is a blue shade quinacridone pigment for use in waterborne preparations available from Clariant, and Synergy™ Orange 6118 is an orange pigment available from Engelhard Corporation. In the compositions of Table Nos. 26-33, the trademark RUCOTE® 921 polyester (manufactured by Bayer Material Science, LLC) is a low viscosity carboxyl functional polyester having an acid value of 38 mg KOH/g, a hydroxyl number 6 mg KOH/g, a viscosity of 1800 ICI cone and plate at 200°C/cPs, and a Tg of 60°C. In the compositions of Table Nos. 34-39, the trademark Crylcoat® 2671-3 'polyester, a carboxyl-terminated polyester resin is manufactured: by Cytec Industries. The trademark PRIMID® XL-552 is a beta-hydroxyl alkyl amide curative, available from EMS- PRIMID. In the compositions of Table Nos. 40-47, Albester 3160, hy<iroxyl-terminated polyester resin, and Alcure 4470, a triazole blocked polyisocyanate are available from Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Columbus, OH.

[00295] Example 1 : Preparation of a White Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle.

[00296] A white low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 10 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 Table No. 10. White Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

D-242G Epoxy 48

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

TiO₂ R-960 40

[00297] Example 2: Preparation of a Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor

Particle.

[00298] A yellow low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 1 1 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00299] Table No. 11. Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 49

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 11

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 .

TiO₂ R-960 ^'20

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 4

274-0033 2.2

HR-70 Yellow Pigment 1.8

BaS0₄ 10

[00300] Example 3: Preparation of a Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle.

[00301] A red low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 12 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 [00302] Table No. 12. Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 48.5

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10.3

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.04

TiO₂ R-960 5.13

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 0.03

RT- 172-D Pigment 2.5

F5RK-A Pigment 1.5

BaS0₄ 30

[00303] Example 4: Preparation of a Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle.

[00304] A blue low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 13 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00305] Table No. 13. Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %) , . .

KD-242G Epoxy ^' 49.25

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10.75

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.05

TiO₂ R-960 15.

15-1 101 A4R Pigment 2.5

BK 5099 0.45

BaS0₄ 20

QB\510009.00717\94₃5479.1 [00306] Example 5: Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle.

[00307] A brown low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 14 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00308] Table No. 14. Brown Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor Particle

Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 51.67

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 9.13

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

Ti0₂ RCL-6 1.18

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 2.54

BK 5099 2

RO 8097 1.48

BaS0₄ 30

[00309] Example 6: Preparation of an Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy

Decor Particle.

[00310] An iron oxide yellow low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 15 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[0031 1] Table No. 15. Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 57.8

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

Y 10 Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 20

BaS0₄ 10

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Γ003121 Example 7: Preparation of a Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxv Decor

Particle.

[00313] An iron oxide red low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 16 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00314] Table No. 16. Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 57.8

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

RO 8097 20

BaS0₄ 10

ΙΌ03151 Example 8: Preparation of an Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxv

Decor Particle.

[00316] An ultra marine blue low temperature cure epoxy-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 17 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00317] Table No. 17. Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 57.8

Huntsman Hardener XB 3086 10.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

UMB-304 20

BaS0₄ 10

QB^ 10009.00717\9435479.1 [00318] Example 9: Preparation of a White Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00319] A white low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 18 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00320] Table No. 18. White Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 28.5

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 29

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

Ti0₂ R-960 40

[00321 ] Example 10: Preparation of a Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester

Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00322] A yellow low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 19 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00323] Table No. 19. Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid D cor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 29.75

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 29.75

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

Ti0₂ R-960 20

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 4

274-0033 Pigment 2.2

HR-70 Yellow Pigment 1.8

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 BaS0₄ 10

[00324] Example 1 1 : Preparation of a Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester

Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00325] A red low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 20 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00326] Table No. 20. Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

KD-242G Epoxy 29.15

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 29.15

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1.04

Ti0₂ R-960 5.13

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 0.03

RT- 172-D Pigment 2.5

F5RK-A Pigment 1.5

BaS0₄ ^■ 30

[00327] Example 12: Preparation of a Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester

Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00328] A blue low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 21 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.007 i 7X9435479.1 [00329] Table No. 21. Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid

Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

KD-242G Epoxy 29.75

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 29.75

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1.05

TiO₂ R-960 15

15-1 101 A4R Pigment 2.5

BK 5099 0.45

BaS0₄ 20

Γ003301 Examole 13: Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure Eooxv-Polvester

Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00331] A brown low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 22 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00332] Table No. 22. Brown Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid

Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 30.1

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 30.2

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

TiO. RCL-6 1.18

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 2.54

BK 5099 2

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 RO 8097 1.48 BaS0₄ 30

[00333] Example 14: Preparation of an Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy- Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00334] An iron oxide yellow low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 23 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00335] Table No. 23. Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 33.75

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 33.75

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 20

BaS0₄ 10

[00336] Example 15: Preparation of an Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy- Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00337] An iron oxide red low temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 24 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00338] Table No. 24. Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

KD-242G Epoxy 33.75

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 33.75

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

RO 8097 20

BaSQ₄ 10

[00339] Example 16: Preparation of an Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy- Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle.

[00340] An ultra marine blue temperature cure epoxy-polyester hybrid decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 25 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00341] Table No. 25. Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

KD-242G Epoxy 33.75

SP 3320 Hybrid Polyester 33.75

P-67 1

Actiron NXJ-60 0.5

Oxymelt A-2 1

UMB-304 20

BaSQ₄ 10

[00342] Example 17. Preparation of a White Low Temperature Cure Polvester-TGIC

Decor Particle.

[00343] A white low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 26 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 [00344] Table No. 26. White Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents

Rucote 921 Polyester

TGIC

P-67

Oxymelt A-2

TiO₂ R-960

[00345] Example 18. Preparation of a Yellow Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC

OecoT Particle.

[00346] A yellow low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 27 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00347] Table No. 27. Yellow Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Dicor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Rucote 921 Polyester 55.75

TGIC 4.25

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

TiO₂ R-960 20

Y 10 Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 4

274-0033 Pigment 2.2

HR-70 Yellow Pigment 1.8

BaS0₄ 10

[00348] Example 19. Preparation of a Red Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC D6cor

Particle.

[00349] A red low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 28 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00350] Table No. 28. Red Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Rucote 921 Polyester 54.6

TGIC 4.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.04

TiO₂ R-960 5.13

274-0033 Pigment 0.03

RT- 172-D 2.5

F5RK-A 1.5

BaS0₄ 30

[00351] Example 20. Preparation of a Blue Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor

Particle.

[00352] A blue low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 29 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00353] Table No. 29. Blue Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Rucote 921 Polyester 55.75

TGIC 4.25

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.05

TiO₂ -960 15

274-0033 Pigment 0.03

15-1 101 A4R Pigment 2.5

BK 5099 0.45

BaSQ₄ 20

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00354] Example 21. Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle.

[00355] A brown low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 30 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00356] Table No. 30. Brown Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

ucote 921 Polyester 56.5

TGIC 4.3

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 2.54

BK 5099 2

RO 8097 1.48

BaS0₄ 30

[00357] Example 22. Preparation of an Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure

Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle.

[00358] An iron oxide yellow low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 31 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00359] Table No. 31. Iron Oxide Yellow Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC

Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

ucote 921 Polyester 63.3

TGIC 4.7

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow Pigment 20

BaS0₄ 10

[00360] Example 23. Preparation of an Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Polyester- TGIC Decor Particle.

[00361] An iron oxide red low temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 32 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00362] Table No. 32. Iron Oxide Red Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC

D cor Particle Composition.

Constituents

Rucote 921 Polyester

TGIC

P-67

Oxymelt A-2

RO 8097

BaS0₄

[00363] Example 24. Preparation of a Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure

Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle.

[00364] An ultra marine blue temperature cure polyester-TGIC decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 33 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00365] Table No. 33. Ultra Marine Blue Low Temperature Cure Polyester-TGIC Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Rucote 921 Polyester 63.3

TGIC 4.7

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1

UMB-304 20

BaSQ₄ 10

Γ00366Ί Example 25. PreDaration of a Bav Blue Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor

Particle.

[00367] A blue low temperature cure PRIMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 34 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00368] Table No. 34. Bay Blue Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® D6cor Particle

Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Cry lcoat® 2671-3 82.6

PRIMID® XL-552 6.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.29

Ti0₂ R-960 7.3

BK 5099 1.05

15-1101 PV Fast Blue A4R 0.56

[00369] Example 26. Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor

Particle.

[00370] A brown low temperature cure PRIMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 35 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00371] Table No. 35. Brown Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Crylcoat® 2671-3 80.7

PRIMID® XL-552 6.1

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.5

Ti0₂ R-960 2

BK 5099 2.7

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 3.1

RO 8097 1.5

201Y Red 1.4

Γ00372Ί Example 27. PreDaration of a Bureundv Low TerriDerature Cure PRIMID® Decor

Particle.

[00373] A burgundy low temperature cure PRIMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 36 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00374] Table No. 36. Burgundy Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

Crylcoat® 2671-3 82

PRIMID® XL-552 6.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.32 '

Ti0₂ R-960 1.2

F5RK-A Red 0.08

RO 8097 7

UMB 304 1.2

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00375] Example 28. Preparation of a Gold Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor Particle.

[00376] A gold low temperature cure PRIMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 37 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00377] Table No. 37. Gold Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Crylcoat® 2671-3 71.1

PRIMID® XL-552 5.4

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.31

Ti0₂ R-960 1 1.6

BK 5099 0.19

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 8.9

201Y Red 0.15

UMB 304 0.35

[00378] Example 29. Preparation of a Green Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Ddcor

Particle.

[00379] A green low temperature cure PRIMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 38 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00380] Table No. 38. Green Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor Particle

Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Crylcoat® 2671-3 76.5

PRIMID® XL-552 5.8

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.29

Ti0₂ R-960 9.5

BK 5099 1.2

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 4.5

Lansco 3136 Green 0.21

ΙΌ03811 Example 30. Preoaration of a Rust Colored Low Temperature Cure PRIMID®

Decor Particle.

[00382] A rust colored low temperature cure PRTMID®-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 39 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00383] Table No. 39. Rust Colored Low Temperature Cure PRIMID® Decor

Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Crylcoat® 2671-3 72.1

PRIMID® XL-552 5.4

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.6

Ti0₂ R-960 8.65

RO 8097 0.75

201Y Red 10.5

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00384] Example 31. Preparation of a Blue Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor Particle.

[00385] A blue low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 40 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00386] Table No. 40. Blue Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 75.5

Alcure 4470 13.3

P-67

Oxymelt A-2 1.29

Ti0₂ R-960 7.3

BK 5099 1.05

15-1101 PV Fast Blue A4R 0.56

[00387] Example 32. Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor

Particle.

[00388] A brown low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 41 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00389] Table No. 41. Brown Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane D cor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 73.8

Alcure 4470 13

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.5

Ti0₂ R-960 2

BK 5099 2.7

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 3.1

RO 8097 1.5

201 Y Red 1.4

[00390] Example 33. Preparation of a Burgundy Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane

Decor Particle.

[00391] A burgundy low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 42 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 [00392] Table NOi 42. Burgundy Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 75

Alcure 4470 13.2

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.33

Ti0₂ R-960 1

F5RK-A Red 0.07

RO 8097 7

UMB 304 1.4

[00393] Example 34. Preparation of a Gold Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor

Particle.

[00394] A gold low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 43 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.0071Ά9435479.1 [00395] Table No. 43. Gold Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 65

Alcure 4470 11.5

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.33

TiO₂ R-960 11.6

BK 5099 0.17

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 8.9

201 Y Red 0.15

UMB 304 0.35

[00396] Example 35. Preparation of a Green Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor

Particle.

[00397] A green low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 44 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00398] Table No. 44. Green Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 70

Alcure 4470 12.3

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.29

Ti0₂ R-960 9.5

BK 5099 1.2

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 4.5

Lansco 3136 Green 0.21

QB\510009.00717V9435479.1 [00399] Example 36. Preparation of a Rust Colored Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor Particle.

[00400] A rust colored low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 45 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00401] Table No. 45. Rust Low Colored Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 65.9

Alcure 4470 11.6

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.6

Ti0₂ R-960 8.65

RO 8097 0.75

201Y Red 10.5

[00402] Example 37. Preparation of a Pink Low Temperature Cure Polvurethane Decor

Particle.

[00403] A pink low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 46 below was prepared in the manner described above.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00404] Table No. 46. Pink Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane Decor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 72

Alcure 4470 12.7

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.18

Ti0₂ R-960 11.5

Hostaperm Pink E-WD 1.25

Synergy™ Orange 6118 0.14

BK 5099 0.1

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 0.13

Γ004051 Example 38. Preparation of an Indieo Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane

Decor Particle.

[00406] An indigo low temperature cure polyurethane-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 47 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00407] Table No. 47. Indigo Low Temperature Cure Polyurethane D6cor Particle

Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Albester 3160 77

Alcure 4470 13.6

P-67 1

Oxymelt A-2 1.27

Ti0₂ R-960 5.75

BK 5099 0.5

F5RK-A Red 0.33

15-1 101 PV Fast Blue A4R 0.55

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [00408] Example 39. Preparation of a Blue Low Temperature Cure Ancamine Decor Particle.

[00409] A blue low temperature cure Ancamine-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 48 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00410] Table No. 48. Blue Low Temperature Cure Ancamine D£cor Particle Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Fine Clad A-257 82.4

Ancamine 2441 4.1

Dodecane Dicarboxylic Acid 4.6

BK 5099 1

15-1 101 PV Fast Blue A4R 0.5

Γ004111 Example 40. Preparation of a Brown Low Temperature Cure Ancamine Decor

Particle.

[00412] A brown low temperature cure Ancamine-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 49 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00413] Table No. 49. Brown Low Temperature Cure Ancamine Decor Particle

Composition.

Constituents ( t %)

Fine Clad A-257 81.4

Ancamine 2441 4

Dodecane Dicarboxylic Acid 4.5

Ti0₂ R-960 2

BK 5099 2.38

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 3.38

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 RO 8097 1.1

201Y Red 1.24

Γ004141 Example 41. Preparation of a Rookwood Red Low Temperature Cure IDH Decor

Particle.

[00415] A Rookwood red low temperature cure IDH-based decor particle having the composition shown in Table No. 50 below was prepared in the manner described above.

[00416] Table No. 50. Rookwood Red Low Temperature Cure IDH Decor Particle

Composition.

Constituents (wt %)

Fine Clad A-257 82.9

Isophthalic Dihydrazide 8.7

Y 10M Iron Oxide Yellow 0.3

201Y Red 7.04

F5RK-A Red 0.05

[00417] Example 42. Preparation of Low Temperature Cure Rheologv Modifier- containing Decor Product Compositions.

[00418] Low temperature cure rheology modifier-containing decor product compositions having the formulation shown in Table No. 51 below are prepared in the manner described above.

[00419] Table No. 51. Low Temperature Cure Rheology Modifier-containing Decor Product Compositions.

Constituents ( t %)

Lyoprint® PTU-US 0.15

Kelzan® HP 0.07

Veegum® granules 1.16

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Aerosol OTS 0.15

Propylene glycol 1

Polyvinyl pyrrolidinone 1

Potassium hydrogen phosphate 0.15

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.35

Acticide® MBL 5515 0.3

Deionized water 90.62

A composition from one or more of Table

J

Nos. 10 - 50

[00420] The decor product from Table No. 1 utilizing the PRIMID® Bay Blue particle of Example 25 was mixed according to the following methodology. The batch size was adjusted to 400 g. A 600 mL beaker was loaded with about 128 g (35% of the total water available) of deionized water. The Veegum® granules were added to the beaker and mixed for about 2 to about 3 hours. Propylene glycol, Aerosol OTS, Acticide® MBL 5515, potassium hydrogen phosphate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate were added to the beaker and mixed for about 15 minutes. The Primid® Bay Blue particle made according to Example 25 was added and mixed for about 15 minutes. The Kelzan® HP was added and mixed for about 1 to about 2 hours. The Lyoprint® PTU-US was added and mixed until it was substantially dissolved, which was about 2 hours to about 3 hours. The remaining about 238.68 g (65% of the total water) deionized water was added.

[00421] Example 43. Application, Affixation. Reversibility, and Durability of the Decor

Products of Example 42 on a Soft Surface.

[00422] The decor products of Example 42 are tested for their ability to be applied to a nylon test carpet, removed (reversibility) from the nylon test carpet prior to an affixation step, affixed to the nylon test carpet using heat as the energy source, and their durability after affixation to the nylon test carpet. The following may be performed for each formulation of Example 39 to test reversibility, affixation, and durability thereof.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [00423] A decor product of Example 42 is thoroughly mixed and placed into an 8 oz. PET bottle with finger pump fine mist sprayers having an output of 60 micron particle size (N2862524410WHT3, bottle neck - 24/410; available from ebottles.com, Inc.) or other suitable dispenser, such as an aerosol container with a mesh filter and a propellant, described above. A two-foot by two-foot piece of nylon test carpet is vacuumed using a Bissell CLEANVIEW® II vacuum cleaner manufactured by Bissell Homecare, Inc. to remove loose fibers and dirt. The specifications of the nylon test carpet utilized are indicated in Table 52.

[00424] Table 52. Nylon Test Carpet and Polyester Test Carpet Specifications.

Nylon Test Carpet Polyester Test Carpet

Style 7522 Favored One SP501

Manufacturer Mohawk Industries Mohawk Industries Pile Yarn Content Filament 100% Nylon Spun 100% Polyester Yarn Twists per inch 4.25 x 4.25 5.0 x 4.8

Fabric Type Cut Pile Cut Pile

Fiber Treatment Ultras trand with soil & stain Mohawk APP Polyester W/SGC Gauge 5/32 1/8 C

Pile Height 0.485 0.440

Stitches per inch 7.83 8.50

Certified Pile Weight 25.20 oz. 39.50 oz.

Total Weight 56.29 oz. 71.03 oz.

Density 1871 3232

Dye Method Fluidye Beck

Primary Backing Woven Polypropylene Woven Polypropylene Secondary Backing Woven Polypropylene Woven Polypropylene

Performance Appearance 3.50 3.25

Retention Rating

[00425] The baseline color of each of three spots over which the decor product is applied is determined using a Minolta data processor model No. DP-301 combined with a Minolta model No. CR-310 chroma meter (both manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Americas,

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Inc.) that is set to the "L - a - b" setting to record Δ E (color change) and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[00426] The following tests are performed separately for each of the decor products of Example 42. Prior to application of the decor product, a stencil, disclosed in Attorney Docket No. 4968, was centered on the surface of the nylon test carpet sample. Subsequently, the decor product is applied as a gentle mist to the nylon test carpet from the finger sprayer at distance of 8-10 inches from the nylon test carpet and at a rate to saturate the top surface of the nylon test carpet. The applied decor product is allowed to dry overnight at ambient temperature and humidity on the nylon test carpet. Once dried, one half of the applied decor product pattern is removed from the nylon test carpet using a Shop- Vac® lxl® wet dry vacuum with hose attachment ( 1-1/4 inch diameter x 4 feet). The vacuum characteristics include 1 peak horsepower, 1 15 cubic feet minute of air flow, 52 inches of sealed pressure, and electrical ratings of 120 V, 60 Hz, and 5.5A. The pattern is vacuumed twenty times in one direction and then twenty times in the opposite direction over the same area. Once vacuumed, L - a - b measurements are taken from the vacuumed areas of the nylon test carpet with the Minolta data processor and Minolta chroma meter.

[00427] The un-vacuumed decor product pattern is subsequently affixed on the nylon test carpet by placing an absorbent paper towel (WYPALL® X60 reinforced wipes from Kimberly-Clark Corp.) over the decor product pattern and heating the decor product pattern using a household iron (Hamilton-Beach Model #14340) set at the highest setting (cotton). Heat is apphed through the absorbent paper towel in a circular motion for 2 Vi minutes per square ft of decor product. Subsequently, the paper towel is removed from the nylon test carpet and L - a - b values are measured on the affixed decor product partem using the Minolta data processor and Minolta chroma meter specified above.

[00428] To determine the resilience of the affixed decor product on the nylon test carpet, one half of the affixed decor product is vacuumed twenty times (using a back and forth motion) with a Shop-Vac® lxl® wet/dry vacuum with hose attachment. The L - a - b values of the vacuumed and affixed versus the affixed-only (unvacuumed) areas are taken using a Minolta data processor combined with a Minolta chroma meter as mentioned above.

[00429] Approximate expected measures of reversibility, affixation, and durability of decor products of Example 42 are shown below in Table No. 53. The values indicated in

QB\510009.00717\9435 7 .1 Table No.53 are bebeved to be representative of results that would be measured for any of the decor product compositions described herein.

[00430] Table No.53. Approximate Expected Measures of Reversibility, Affixation, and Durability of Decor Product of Example 42.

L a b ΔΕ

Initial 53- -56 4- -6 11 - 12

Application 42- -48 1- -5 -4- -16 17- -29

Reversibility 50- -52 4- -5 9- 12 2- -5

Affixation 38- -45 -4- -4 -11- -0 14- -29

Durability (vacuumed) 37- -46 -3- -4 -9- - 1 13- -28

Durability (not vacuumed) 37- -43 -3- -4 -11 -0 15- -29

[00431] Example 44. Reversibility Based on Particle Size on a Test Carpet for Decor

Products of Example 42.

[00432] The Decor Bay Blue particle of Example 25 was processed and filtered using a mesh screen to achieve the noted particle size distribution in Table No.54. The Bay Blue particle was added to the decor product according to the methodology of Example 39. The resulting decor product was mixed in a trigger actuated container and applied to the nylon test carpet described in Example 39 above, with the below modifications. The number of spray strokes utilized in the application is indicated in Table No. 54. The decor product was substantially dried affixed and vacuumed according to the method in Example 43, and subjectively measured for reversibility, where a rating of N/R indicated that the decor product was not acceptably reversible and where a rating of R indicated that the decor product was acceptably reversible.

[00433] Table No.54. D6cor Product Reversibility Based on Colorant Particle Size of Example 43 using the ΡέεοΓ Particle of Example 25.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 A B A B A B A B A B

Carpet I N/R N R N/R N R R Borderline R R R R

N/R

Carpet Π N/R N/R N/R N/R R Borderline R R R R

N/R

Carpet III N/R N/R N/R N/R R Borderline R R R R

N/R

Carpet rv N/R N/R N/R N/R R Borderline R R R R

N/R

Carpet V N/R N/R N/R N/R Borderline N/R R R R R

N/R

MPS = mean particle size; Dist. = distribution of particle size; A = 50 strokes of spray using a Calmar trigger; B = 100 strokes of spray using a Calmar trigger (considered to be representative of consumer use); Carpet I = Nylon 2'x3' Mohawk Style: Favored One #7522; color = Pediment; Fiber = 100% continuous filament with Scotchguard® by Mohawk; Carpet Π = Nylon 2'x3' Mohawk Style: Gameday #7499; Yam: Filament 100% Nylon cut pile; Treatment: Ultrastrand with soil and stain. Carpet III = Carpet I with an additional antistatic treatment; Carpet TV = Carpet Π with an additional antistatic treatment; and Carpet V = Carpet I with a high slip treatment; N/R = not acceptably reversible; and R = acceptably reversible.

[00434] Example 45. Determination of Glass transition temperatures (Tg) and melting temperatures (Tm) of Surface Substrates.

[00435] Tg and Tm of surface substrates were measured using a Model Q100 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TA Instruments, Inc.) at a heating rate of 20°C/min. Specifically, in this way, the nylon carpet of Table No. 52 was measured to have a Tg of 40-45°C and a Tm of 257°C Further, a polyester carpet of Table No. 52 was measured to have a Tg of 140- 150°C and a Tm of247°C.

[00436] Example 46. Application. Affixation, and Durability of the Decor Products of

Example 42 on a Soft Surface.

QB\510009.0071Ά9435479.1 [00437] The decor product of Example 42 was tested for its ability to be affixed to the nylon test carpet of Table No. 52, using a sealant mixture of Table No. 55, and the durability thereof after affixation to the nylon test carpet.

[00438] A decor product of Example 42 is thoroughly mixed and placed into an aerosol dispenser available from Ball as 211 X 713 N.I. DOT-2Q IL-30. The aerosol dispenser has a valve assembly available from Summit (Summit SV-77 with a 2x0.020 stem, a 0.062 RE Body, a 0.023 spring, and a 0.050 Buna gasket in a laminated cup. An actuator that fits onto the valve assembly is a basic vertical actuator (AX- 14032) with a 70178-2402 insert orifice size of 0.018x0.044). The aerosol dispenser was pressurized to 120 psi using nitrogen gas. A two-foot by two-foot piece of nylon test carpet was vacuumed using a Bissell CLEANVIEW® II vacuum cleaner manufactured by Bissell Homecare, Inc. to remove loose fibers and dirt.

[00439] The following tests were performed separately for the άέοοτ product of Example 42. Prior to application of the decor product, a stencil, disclosed in Application Serial No. 12/152,405 was centered on the surface of the nylon test carpet sample. Subsequently, the decor product was applied as a gentle mist to the nylon test carpet from the aerosol dispenser at distance of about 8-10 inches from the nylon test carpet and at a rate to saturate the top surface of the nylon test carpet. The applied decor product was allowed to dry for about 16 hours at ambient temperature and humidity on the nylon test carpet.

[00440] Once dry, the decor product pattern was subsequently affixed on the nylon test carpet by applying a sealant composition according to Table No. 55 below.

[00441 ] Table No. 55 Sealant Composition

Constituents (wt %)

Ethyl Lactate 25

Hexyl Cellosolve 10

Potassium hydrogen phosphate 0.35

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.15

Water 63

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 [00442] The sealant composition was prepared by mixing the constituents of Table No. 55 in a beaker and adding the mixture to the same kind of aerosol dispenser disclosed above. The aerosol dispenser containing the sealant composition was pressured to 120 psi using nitrogen gas. Subsequently, the sealant composition was applied as a gentle mist to the nylon test carpet from the aerosol dispenser at distance of about 4-5 inches from the nylon test carpet and at a rate to saturate the top surface of the nylon test carpet. The sealant was allowed to dry for approximately 24 hours.

[00443] To determine the color retention of the affixed decor product on the nylon test carpet, the affixed decor product was vacuumed twenty times in two different directions (using a back and forth motion) with a Bissell model 3576-6 12 amp upright vacuum cleaner. After drying and vacuuming, the decor product was subjectively evaluated for color retention. A subjective scale of 1 to 10 was used, where a score of 1 signified a decor product that had the worst, or little to no color retention, and a score of 10 signified a decor product that had the best, or substantially all color retention.

[00444] Approximate measures of color retention of decor products of Example 42 and the sealant composition from Table No. 55 are shown below in Table No. 56. The values indicated in Table No. 56 are believed to be representative of results that would be measured for any of the decor product compositions made according to Table 51.

[00445] Table No. 56 Measures of Color Retention of Primid® Bay Blue Composition of Example 42 and Sealant Composition of Table 55.

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 Test 12 12 8.3 1.446 0.072 20 4.13 34.29 9

Test 13 16 8.3 1.928 0.096 5 1.38 1 1.43 9

Test 14 16 8.3 1.928 0.096 10 2.75 22.86 9

Test 15 16 8.3 1.928 0.096 15 4.13 34.29 10

Test 16 16 8.3 1.928 0.096 20 5.51 45.71 10

[00446] To determine the suitability of various solvent compositions, characteristics of the compositions were evaluated including decor product sealing, appearance, foaming upon application, and resoiling of treated areas. Certain sealant formulations were formulated to contain one or more of ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone to decrease drying time. Another strategy for decreasing dry time was using solvents with lower boiling point/higher evaporation rates. Some formulation variability was introduced by addition of more or less than 10% of solvent or the addition of high (e.g., 20%) drying-solvent (acetone, ethanol, isopropanol) concentrations. After formulation of the sealant compounds, visual observations were made about 12-24 hours after mixing to determine appearance. A uniform single phase solution with watery appearance was desired to ease of production of the product and provide consistent spray performance throughout the life of the applicator (for example, an aerosol can).

[00447] Sealant performance on carpets was evaluated using a series of four 7" x 7" circles created using a template, each circle contained 7 grams of colorant formula "DOL2" dispensed from an aerosol container. Two carpet types were used for these experiments and are described below, in Table 57. A generic colorant formulation is shown below in Table 58. Several different colors were applied during the experimental process. It was discovered that several colors exhibited low smearing, and other colors were more prone to smearing. Smearing prone colors included Pink, Rust, and Burgundy with which the majority of sealing tests were performed.

[00448] Table No. 57. Carpet Specifications

Characteristics Carpet A Carpet B

Style BP326 Family Time BP532 Elk Mountain

Pile Yarn Content Filament 100% Nylon Filament 100% Nylon Yarn Twist/ inch 4.25 x 4.25 6.5 x 6.5

Fabric Type Cut Pile Cut Pile

Fiber Treatment Ultrastrand with soil & stain Xtralife With Tactesse

Gauge 5/32 1/8 CP

QB\510009.00717N9435479.1 Pile Height 0.485 0.652

Stitches/ inch 7.83 11.67

Certified Pile Height 25.20 oz 52.90 oz

Total Weight 56.29 oz 87.41 oz

Density 1871 2921

Dye Method Fluidye Fluidye

Primary Backing Woven polypropylene Woven polypropylene

Secondary Backing Woven polypropylene Woven polypropylene

[00449] Table No. 58. DOL2 Decor Product Composition.

(Approx.

Constituents

wt %)

Deionized water Carrier balance

Bioban CS 1135 Preservative 0.05

Alcoprint PTU Suspending 0.075

Kelzanhp Thickener 0.125

Pluronic f-127, prill Surfactant 0.1

Polyfo PF-2002 PL40 Surfactant 0.2

Laponite rd Thickener 0.45

Potassium dihydrogen

phosphate Buffer 0.15

Potassium phosphate

dibasic anhydrous Buffer 0.35

Nitrogen gas Propellant 0.67

Colorant Colorant 5

[00450] Sealant compositions were applied in two 3.5 gram doses, 30 minutes apart. Foaming was evaluated with a target of achieving ½" of foam per 3.5 gram application to indicate the proper amount of sealant applied. After the second application, the sealant composition was allowed to dry between 24 to 48 hours. After drying, the circles treated with sealant were vacuumed, using a procedure that included 50 strokes (each stroke back and forth across all four colored circles) with a vacuum. The vacuum model used was "Bissell Cleanview II Bagless Plus" made by Bissel (Grand Rapids, MI). Sealing performance was evaluated only after the vacuuming step. Three criteria were evaluated to determine sealing performance including color intensity, smearing, and crustiness/feel (for example, agglomeration of decor particles of those retained on carpet tufts). In one embodiment, a sealant would coat each fiber in the carpet tuft evenly, exhibit little or no smearing, and yield a vibrant color that is resistant to vacuuming.

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 [00451] Resoiling properties of the sealant compositions were evaluated by applying reasonable amounts of sealant to uncolored carpeting (such as about 1 g in²) on Carpet B (see above), and allowing the treated carpets to dry for 48 hours. The treated carpets were placed in high traffic walkway areas in our laboratory, and discoloration of the treated areas was evaluated informally over a two week period.

[00452] A subset of sealant compositions evaluated included single solvents. These sealant formulations provided information pertaining attributable to the sole solvents included therein. Table 59 below summarizes the solvents that were investigated, along with their water solubility, observed solubility in the sealant composition, an evaluation of their individual effectiveness as sealants (at 10% concentration), and reference to the formula in which the solvent was present at 10%, with no other solvents.

[00453] Table 59. Solvents Investigated.

Q \510009.0071 \9435479.1 diethylene glycol monopropyl ether full full good 92 . tri(butoxyethyl)phosphate 0.1 ND good ND

ND - no data; n a - not applicable; sis - sodium lauryl sulfate

[00454] The sealant compositions evaluated are listed in Table 60 below.

[00455] Table 60. Evaluated Sealant Compositions.

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol PMA 9.50

Ethanol 0.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 6

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol PMA 7.00

Ethanol 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 7

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol PMA 8.00

Carbitol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 8

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Diacetone Alcohol 8.00

Carbitol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 9

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Downol PMA 9.50

Acetone 0.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 10

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

QB\51000 .00717X9435479.1 POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol PMA 7.00

Acetone 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 11

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Acetone 4.00 ethanol 4.00 carbitol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 12

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Acetone 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 13

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35 :

Diacetone Alcohol 9.00

Wax AC-316 227158 1.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 14

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DM 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 15

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 5.00

Diisobutyl ketone 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 16

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSPJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 6.00

Acetone 2.00

Carbitol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 17

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 8.00

Carbitol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 18

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 7.50

Carbitol 2.00

Diisobutyl ketone 0.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 19

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 9.50

Acetone 0.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 20

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 7.00

Acetone 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 21

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 9.50 ethanol 0.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 22

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 7.00 ethanol 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 23

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 6.00 cyclohexanone 3.00 acetone 1.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 24

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18 cyclohexanone ίό.όο

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 25

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

DMM 6.00

EPH 1.00 acetone 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTA E 6.00

Sealant 26

DEIO IZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Benzyl Alcohol 3.00

Dowanol PnB 4.00

DMM 3.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 27

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Benzyl Alcohol 2.00

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 2.00

DMM 6.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 28

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Benzyl Alcohol 1.00

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 4.50

Propylene Glycol Diacetate 4.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 29

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 5.00

Propylene Glycol Diacetate 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 Sealant 30

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

DMM 6.00

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 31

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Acetone 2.00

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 4.00

Propylene Glycol Diacetate 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 32

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 5.00

DMM 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 33

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Propylene Glycol Diacetate 5.00

DMM 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 34

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Ethanol 2.00

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate 4.00

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1

QBX510OO .00717X9435479.1 DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Propylene Glycol Acetate 5.50

Ethanol 1.00

DMM 3.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 40

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Propylene Glycol Acetate 4.00

Cyclohexanone 2.00

Do anol DPMA 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 41

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Glycol Ether Acetate 5.00

Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 42

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dowanol PMA 4.00

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 1.00

Dowanol PM 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 43

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.-50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08 ^'

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dowanol PMA 4.00

Ethanol 1.00

Dowanol PM 5.00

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 44

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSKJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dowanol PMA 4.00

Cyclohexanone 1.00

Dowanol PM 5.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 45

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dowanol PMA 7.00

EPH 1.00

Ethanol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 46

DEIONIZED WATER 82.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.08

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.18

Dowanol PM - 7.00

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 1.00

Ethanol 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 47

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 48

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Q \510009.00717\943₅479.1

QB\51000 .00717X9435479.1

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 59

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol PnB 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 60

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Methyl Carbitol 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 61

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Ethanol 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 62

DEIONIZED WATER 78.25

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.43

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

EPH 2.39 ethanol 9.54

DB-3 1.91

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 63

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 2.50

QB\510009.00717\943S479.1 Carbitol 5.50

DB-3 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 64

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DBE-3 1.81

Ethanol 9.04

Carbitol 4.97

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 65

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DBE-3 1.81

Acetone 9.04

Carbitol 4.97

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 66

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 2.50

DBE-4 5.50

DB-3 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 67

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

STEPANOL WA-EXTRA PCK 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35 -

EPH 2.50

Do anol PnB 5.50

DB-3 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\_i 10009.0071 Ά9435479.1 Sealant 68

DEION1ZED WATER 83.20

Tomadol 25-9 0.30

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 4.00

Carbitol 4.00

DMM 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 69

DEIONIZED WATER 85.01

Tomadol 25-9 0.31

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

EPH 4.09

Carbitol 4.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 70

DEIONIZED WATER 53.53

Tomadol 25-9 0.98

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.10

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.23

EPH 2.61

Carbitol 2.61

Ethanol 32.64

DMM 1.31

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 71

DEIONIZED WATER 53.53

Tomadol 25-9 0.98

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.10

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.23

EPH 2.61

Carbitol 2.61

Isopropanol 32.64

DMM 1.31

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 72

DEIONIZED WATER 83.78

Stepanol 1.53

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

EPH 4.09

Carbitol 4.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 73

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 4.00

Carbitol 4.00

DPGME 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 74

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DPGME 2.50

Carbitol 4.00

EPH 3.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 75

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 2.50

Carbitol 4.00

DPGME 3.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 76

DEIONIZED WATER 87.10

Stepanol 1.59

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.16

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.37

EPH 2.66

DBE-3 2.12

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 77

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DPGME 3.50

Hexyl Cellosolve 4.00

EPH 2.50

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 78

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

EPH 2.50

DPGME 3.50

Hexyl Cellosolve 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 79

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DPGME 3.16

Ethanol 9.04

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 3.62

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 80

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 1.81

DBE-3 3.62

Ethanol 9.04

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 3.62

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 81 ^{' '} -

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 EPH 3.16

DBE-3 2.71

Ethanol 9.04

Carbitol 3.16

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 82

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DBE-3 1.81

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 1.81

Carbitol 3.16 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 83

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 3.62

Carbitol 3.16 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 84

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

Butyl Cellosolve Acetate 1.81

Carbitol 4.97 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 85

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DB3 1.81

Dowanol pnB 4.97 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 86

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.62

Dowanol pnB 5.42 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 87

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.62

Dowanol pnB 3.62 carbitol 1.81 ethanol 9.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 88

DEIONIZED WATER 75.57

Stepanol 1.38

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.69 carbitol 3.69 isopropanol 9.22

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 89

DEIONIZED WATER 75.57

Stepanol 1.38

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.69 carbitol 3.69 ethanol 9.22

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Sealant 90

-

DEIONIZED WATER 74.83

Stepanol 1.37

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 5.48 carbitol 2.74 ethanol 9.13

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 91

DEIONIZED WATER 77.08

Stepanol 1.41

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

EPH 3.76 carbitol 1.88 ethanol 9.40

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 92

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Eastman DP 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 93

DEIONIZED WATER 74.83

Stepanol 1.37

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 5.48

DP 2.74 isopropanol 9.13

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 94

DEIONIZED WATER 68.21

Stepanol 1.25

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.12

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.29

EPH 4.99

Carbitol 2.50

QB\510009.00717\ 435479.1 isopropanol 16.64

A-31 PROPELLA T, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 95

DEIONIZED WATER 68.21

Stepanol 1.25

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.12

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.29

EPH 4.99

Carbitoi 2.50 ethanol 16.64

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 96

DEIONIZED WATER 70.07

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 5.13 isopropanol 17.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 97

DEIONIZED WATER 68.82

Stepanol 1.26

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.29

EPH 6.71 isopropanol 16.79

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 98

DEIONIZED WATER 70.07

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 5.13 ethanol 17.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 99

DEIONIZED WATER 72.04

Stepanol 1.32

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

QB\510009.0071 \ 435479.1 EPH 5.27 isopropanol 14.93

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant

DEIONIZED WATER 74.83

Stepanol 1.37

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 5.48 isopropanol 1 1.86

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 101

DEIONIZED WATER 69.88

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 5.1 1

Tomadol 25-9 0.26 isopropanol 17.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 102

DEIONIZED WATER 70.07

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

DP 5.13 isopropanol 17.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 102a

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 5.37 isopropanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 103

DEIONIZED WATER 77.08

Stepanol 1.41

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 5.64 isopropanol 9.40

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 104

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.58

DP 1.79 ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 105

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.58

DP 1.79 ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 106

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.58

DP 1.79 ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 107

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DPGME 5.37 isopropanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 108

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DPGME 3.13

DP 2.24

IPA 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 109

DEIONIZED WATER 73.76

Stepanol 1.35

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 4.50

MACKAMTDE MEA 0.45

IPA 13.49

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 110

DEIONIZED WATER 70.52

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 4.30

MACKAMIDE MEA 0.26

IPA 17.20

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 1 11

DEIONIZED WATER 70.72

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 4.31

PA 17.25

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 1 12

DEIONIZED WATER 70.72

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

DP 4.31

IPA 17.25

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Sealant 113

DEIONIZED WATER 70.72

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 2.16

DP 2.16

IPA 17.25

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 114

DEIONIZED WATER 71.37

Stepanol 1.31

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 3.48

IPA 17.41

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 115

DEIONIZED WATER 71.37

Stepanol 1.31

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

DP 3.48

IPA 17.41

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 116

DEIONIZED WATER 71.04

Stepanol 1.30

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 3.03

DP 0.87

IPA 17.33

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 117

DEIONIZED WATER 70.39

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 3.00

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DP 1.72

IPA 17.17

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 118

DEIONIZED WATER 69.44

Stepanol 1.27

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 4.23

DMM 1.69

IPA 16.94

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 1 19

DEIONIZED WATER 68.82

Stepanol 1.26

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.29

EPH 3.36

DMM 3.36

IPA 16.79

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 120

DEIONIZED WATER 70.07

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

DP 3.42

EPH 1.71

IPA 17.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 121

525.00

DEIONIZED WATER 72.04

Stepanol 1.32

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 3.51

EPH - ^{'': ';}-· ^·' ·; ·^Γ . 1.76

IPA 14.93

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 122

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DEIONTZED WATER 72.04

Stepanol 1.32

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 3.51

EPH 1.76

IPA 14.93

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 123

DEIONTZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 4.52

IPA 13.56

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 124

DEIONTZED WATER 74.83

Stepanol 1.37

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.65

PA 13.69

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 125

DEIONTZED WATER 70.07

Stepanol 1.28

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 4.27

Stepanol 0.85

PA 17.09

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 128

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DP 2.26

PA 13.56

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 Sealant 129

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

Hexyl Cellosolve 2.26

IPA 13.56

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 130

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.26

DPM 2.26

IPA 13.56

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 131

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 1.79

Hexyl Cellosolve 1.79

DP 1.79

IPA 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 132

DEIONIZED WATER 76.32

Stepanol 1.40

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

EPH 3.72

IPA 12.10

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 133

DEIONIZED WATER 75.57

Stepanol 1.38

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 2.76

DP 1.84

IPA 11.98

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 134

DEION1ZED WATER 74.83

Stepanol 1.37

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

DPM 1.83

TBEP 0.91

DEET 0.91

Ethanol 13.69

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 135

DEIONIZED WATER 70.72

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 2.59

TBEP 1.72

DEET 4.31

IPA 12.94

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 136

DEIONIZED WATER 70.72

Stepanol 1.29

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 1.72

TBEP 1.72

DP 5.17

IPA 12.94

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 137

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

TBEP 5.37

IPA 13.43

Q 510009.00717\943₅479.1 A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 138

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

Dowanol DPnB 10.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 139

DEIONIZED WATER 73.76

Stepanol 1.35

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 4.50

Stepanol 0.45

IPA 13.49

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 140

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.58

DPnB 1.79

IPA 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 141

DEIONIZED WATER 75.57

Stepanol 1.38

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

EPH 3.69

Dowanol DPnB 3.69

IPA 9.22

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 142

DEIONIZED WATER 71.04

QB\5 ! 0009.0071 \9435479.1 Stepanol 1.30

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.30

EPH 2.60

DPnB 5.20

Stepanol 0.43

IPA 13.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 1 3

DEIONIZED WATER 71.70

Stepanol 1.31

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.50

DPnB 3.50

Stepanol 0.44

IPA 13.12

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 144

DEIONIZED WATER 72.72

Stepanol 1.33

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

EPH 3.55

TBEP 1.77

Stepanol 0.89

IPA 13.30

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 145

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DPnB 4.00

DMM 6.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 146

DEIONIZED WATER 74.12

Stepanol 1.36

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

DMM 5.42

QB\S 10009.00717\9435 79.1

QB\510009.0071Ά9435479.1 DEIONIZED WATER 72.04

Stepanol 1.32

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 4.39

EPH 2.64

IPA 13.18

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 152

DEIONIZED WATER 77.08

Stepanol 1.41

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 5.64

Ethanol 9.40

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 153

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 5.37

Ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 154

DEIONIZED WATER 77.08

Stepanol 1.41

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 2.82

DPM 2.82

Ethanol 9.40

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 155

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 2.69

DPM 2.69

Ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 Sealant 156

DEIONIZED WATER 77.08

Stepanol 1.41

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DPM 5.64

Ethanol 9.40

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 157

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DP 5.37

Ethanol 13.43

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 158

DEIONIZED WATER 79.46

Stepanol 1.45

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.34

DP 5.81

DPnB 1.94

Ethanol 4.85

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 159

DEIONIZED WATER 83.78

Stepanol 1.53

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DP 6.13

DPnB 2.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 160

DEIONIZED WATER 77.86

Stepanol 1.42

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 7.60

DPnB 1.90

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Ethanol 4.75

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 161

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DP 8.00

DPnB 2.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 162

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DP 6.00

DPnB 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 163

DEIONIZED WATER 77.86

Stepanol 1.42

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 5.70

DPnB 3.80

Ethanol 4.75

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 164

DEIONIZED WATER 73.41

Stepanol 1.34

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.13

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.31

DPnB 3.58

DP 5.37

TBEP 0.90

TP A 8.95

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 165

DEIONIZED WATER 84.70

Stepanol 1.55

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DP 1.55

Cairbitol 1.55

DPnB 2.07

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.52

EPH 0.52

DPM 1.03

A-3 I PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 166

DEIONIZED WATER 84.39

Stepanol 1.54

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DP 1.54

Carbitol 1.54

DPnB 2.06

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.51

EPH 0.51

DPM 1.03

Ethanol 0.35

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 167

DEIONIZED WATER 80.29

Stepanol 1.47

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.34

DP 1.47

Carbitol 1.47

DPnB 1.96

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.49

EPH 0.49

DPM 0.98

Ethanol 4.90

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 168

DEIONIZED WATER 76.32

Stepanol 1.40

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 1.40

Carbitol 1.40

DPnB 1.86

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.47

QB\510009.00717Λ9435479.1 EPH 0.47

DPM 0.93

Ethanol 9.31

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 169

DEIONIZED WATER 84.70

Stepanol 1.55

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DP 1.55

Carbitol 1.55

DPnB 2.07

Hexyl Cellosolve 1.03

DPM 1.03

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 170

DEIONIZED WATER 80.29

Stepanol 1.47

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.34

DP 1.47

Carbitol 1.47

DPnB 1.96

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.98

DPM 0.98

Ethanol 4.90

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 171

DEIONIZED WATER 76.32

Stepanol 1.40

POTASSKJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.33

DP 1.40

Carbitol 1.40

DPnB 1.86

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.93

DPM 0.93

Ethanol 9.31

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00 " ^'

Sealant 172

DEIONIZED WATER 75.81

Stepanol 1.39

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

DP 1.39

Carbitol 1.39

DPnB 1.85

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.63

TBEP 0.92

DPM 0.92

Ethanol 9.24

A- 1 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 173

DEIONIZED WATER 83.78

Stepanol 1.53

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DPnB 4.09

DP 2.04

DMM 2.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 174

DEIONIZED WATER 85.64

Stepanol 1.57

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.16

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.37

DP 2.09

DPnB 4.18

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 175

DEIONIZED WATER 75.76

Stepanol 1.39

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.32

DPnB 3.70

DP 1.85

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.92

Ethanol 9.92

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 176

DEIONIZED WATER 83.78

Stepanol 1.53

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 DPnB 4.09

DP 2.04

DPM 2.04

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 177

DEION1ZED WATER 84.70

Stepanol 1.55

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DPnB 4.13

DP 2.07

DPM 1.03

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 178

DEIONIZED WATER 84.70

Stepanol 1.55

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DPnB 4.13

DP 2.07

TBEP 1.03

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 179

DEIONIZED WATER 82.00

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DMM 6.00

DPnB 4.00

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 180

DEIONIZED WATER 81.78

Stepanol 1.50

POTASSRJM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.35

DP 1.50

Carbitol 1.50

DPnB 1.99

Hexyl Cellosolve 1.00

EPH 0.50

DPM 1.00

CODE: 227158 0.75

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 Ethanol 1.99

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 181

DEIONIZED WATER 78.61

Stepanol 1.44

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.14

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.34

DP 1.44

Carbitol 1.44

DPnB 1.92

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.96

EPH 0.48

DPM 0.96

Polyfox 7002 0.72

Ethanol 5.56

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 182

DEIONIZED WATER 85.17

Stepanol 1.56

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.16

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DPnB 4.15

DP 2.08

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.52

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 183

DEIONIZED WATER 84.70

Stepanol 1.55

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.36

DP 2.07

DPnB 5.16

A-31 PROPELLANT, ISOBUTANE 6.00

Sealant 184

DEIONIZED WATER 79.63

Stepanol ... .. . 1.46

POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE 0.15

Potassium Phosphate Dibasic Anhydrous 0.34

DPnB 4.86

DP 1.94

Ethanol 5.15

Hexyl Cellosolve 0.49

QB\51000 .00717\943547 .1

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1

QB\510009.00717N9435479.1 [00456] The results of seal quality, foaming quality, durability of the set color as determined by the heel test (grinding the heel of a shoe through about 40 degrees of an arc 10 times on the set color), and the period of drying time before vacuuming (50 strokes) to determine the seal quality are indicated for the sealant compositions of Table 60 are indicated below in Table 61.

00457] Table 61. Sealant Compositions Results.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 29 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 4 9 ND ND ND

30 crystal clear with cream on top 0 7 ND ND ND

31 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 4 9 ND ND ND

32 crystal clear 1 9 ND ND ND

33 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 1 9 ND ND ND

34 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 3 9 ND ND ND

35 crystal clear 2 7 ND ND ND

36 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 4 9 ND ND ND

37 crystal clear 3 7 ND ND ND

38 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 4 7 ND ND ND

39 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 1 7 ND ND ND

40 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 3 5 ND ND ND

41 crystal clear 0 9 ND ND ND

42 crystal clear 0 8 ND ND ND

43 crystal clear 0 2 ND ND ND

44 cloudy with ppt on bottom 0 5 ND ND ND

45 crystal clear 0 9 ND ND ND

46 crystal clear 0 2 ND ND ND

47 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 6 2 j 2 24 hrs

48 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 6 5 j 1 24 hrs

49 hazy with solvent on bottom 4 5 i 24 hrs

50 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 4 5 j 1 24 hrs

51 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 5 5 j -I 24 hrs

52 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 5 5 j r 24 hrs

53 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 5 5 j 1 24 hrs

54 cloudy with ppt on bottom 3 2 j 1 24 hrs

55 crystal clear 4 9 i .1 24 hrs

56 crystal clear 5 9 j 24 hrs

57 cloudy with ppt on bottom 5 5 j 1 24 hrs

58 cloudy with creaming 4 3 j 1 24 hrs

59 cloudy > especially at the top 2 0 i n/a 24 hrs

60 cloudy with ppt at top 1 1 j n/a 36 hrs

61 cloudy with ppt at top 0 1 i n/a 36 hrs

62 crystal clear with some solvent on bottom 5 8 i 1 36 hrs

63 crystal clear with some solvent on bottom 5 9 j 1 36 hrs

64 crystal clear 5 8 i 1 36 hrs

65 crystal clear 5 8 i 1 36 hrs

66 . crystal clear with solvent on bottom 6 8 j 1 36 hrs

67 cloudy with some solvent at top 6 4 j 1 36 hrs

68 hazy with solvent on bottom 5 1 P 1 24 hrs

69 hazy with solvent on bottom 5 1 P 1 24 hrs

70 crystal clear 4 0 P 1 24 hrs

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1 71 crystal clear 4 0 P 1 24 hrs

72 crystal clear with some solvent on bottom 5 10 P 1 24 hrs

73 crystal clear with some solvent on bottom 6 7 P 2 24 hrs

74 crystal clear with some solvent on bottom 6 9 P 1 24 hrs

75 crystal clear 6 8 r 2 24 hrs

76 crystal clear with solvent on bottom 5 8 r 1 24 hrs

77 clear with solvent at top 4 8 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

78 clear bottom, hazy middle, solvent on top 6 8 P, gr, br 1 24 hrs

79 hazy with solvent on top 6 1 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

80 hazy with solvent on bottom 7 8 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

81 clear with solvent on bottom 6 ND 24 hrs

82 clear with solvent on bottom 6 ND i ·) 24 hrs

83 cloudy with 1/4" solvent on top 5 ND j 1 24 hrs

84 cloudy with solvent drops on bottom 6 ND i 1 24 hrs

85 cloudy with 1/4" solvent on top 6 ND i 1 24 hrs

87 cloudy 6 ND i 1 24 hrs

88 clear 4 ND i 1 24 hrs

24 hrs

89 clear 4 ND P, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

24 hrs

90 clear 7 ND P. b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

1 , 2 24 hrs

91 clear 4 ND P, b (b) (2) (48 hrs)

24 hrs

92 clear 6 ND P, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

93 cloudy with solvent on bottom 6 ND P 1 24 hrs

94 crystal clear 5 ND P 2 24 hrs

95 crystal clear 7 ND P 1 24 hrs

96 crystal clear 8 ND r 2 24 hrs

97 crystal clear 7 ND r 1 24 hrs

98 crystal clear 7 3 r 1 24 hrs

99 crystal clear 8 3 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

100 clear, solvent on bottom 6 8 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

101 crystal clear 7 1 g, gr, br 1 24 hrs

102 crystal clear 3 9 g 2 24 hrs

103 crystal clear 8 9 g 1 24 hrs

24 hrs

104 crystal clear 7 9 g, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

24 hrs

105 crystal clear 7 9 g, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

24 hrs

106 crystal clear 9 9 g, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

24 hrs

107 crystal clear 3 9 g, b (b) 1 (48 hrs)

108 crystal clear 5 9 g 24 hrs

109 crystal clear with MEA chunks 7 9 P 1 24 hrs

QB\510009.00717\943₅479.1

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1 149 crystal clear 8 9 i, b 1 48 hrs

150 clear with solvent on bottom 6 5 i, b 1 48 hrs

151 crystal clear 6 9 i, b 1 48 hrs

152 slight white ppt at bottom 6 6 i, b 1 48 hrs

153 white ppt at bottom 5 6 p 1 48 hrs

154 white ppt at bottom 4 6 p 1 48 hrs

155 white ppt at bottom 4 6 p 1 48 hrs

156 white ppt at bottom 4 3 p 1 48 hrs

157 white ppt at bottom 4 2 p 1 48 hrs

158 crystal clear 7 8 p 1 48 hrs

159 crystal clear 7 8 p 1 48 hrs

160 crystal clear 8 8 p 1 48 hrs

161 crystal clear 8 8 p 1 48 hrs

162 crystal clear 7 5 p 1 48 hrs

163 crystal clear 7 5 p 1 48 hrs

164 clear with solvent on top 8 1 p 1 48 hrs

165 clear with solvent on bottom 5 8 r 4 48 hrs

166 crystal clear 5 8 r 1 48 hrs

167 crystal clear 6 5 r, p 1 48 hrs

168 crystal clear 6 5 r 1 48 hrs

169 crystal clear 6 8 r 1 48 hrs

170 crystal clear 5 1 p, r 1 48 hrs

171 crystal clear 5 0 p 1 48 hrs

172 cloudy 8 1 p 1 48 hrs

173 crystal clear 7 9 p 4 48 hrs

174 crystal clear 9 9 p 1 48 hrs

72 hrs

175 clear 8 0 r (p) .1 (48 hrs)

176 crystal clear 8 7 p 1 48 hrs

72 hrs

177 crystal clear 7 7 r (p) 1 (48 hrs)

72 hrs

178 cloudy 8 0 r (p) 1 (48 hrs)

179 crystal clear 8 ND p 4 48 hrs

72 hrs

180 cloudy 8 5 r (p) 1 (48 hrs)

181 clear with solvent on bottom 7 1 p 1 48 hrs

182 clear 8 1 p 1 48 hrs

183 clear 9 8 r 1 48 hrs

48 hrs

184 clear 8 5 r, (r) 1 (72 hrs)

185 clear 8 8 r 1 48 hrs

186 clear 9 1 r 1 48 hrs

187 clear 8 9 r 1 48 hrs

188 clear 8 9 r, (r) 1 48 hrs

QB\510009.0071 Ά9435479.1 (72 hrs)

48 hrs

189 crystal clear 9 9 r, (r) 1 (72 hrs)

190 too light 6 ND P 1 48 hrs

191 too light, some fibers uncoated 7 ND P 1 48 hrs

192 good color and penetration 8 ND P 1 48 hrs

193 too light, some fibers uncoated 7 ND P 1 48 hrs

Seal: 0 = none and 10 = vibrant color; Foam: 0 = none and 10 = great; ND = no data; and N/A = not applicable; "p" = pink, V = rust, "b" = burgundy, "g" = gold, "gr" = green, "br" = brown, "i" = indigo; values within parentheses correspond with each other per formulation; values for the Heel test range from 1 to 4 with 1 being the poorest performer and 4 being the best.

[00458] At the concentrations and mixtures used for the sealant compositions noted above in Table No. 60, the following generalizations and observations were found that may or may not apply at other concentrations or with other mixtures not tested herein.

[00459] When added to sealant compositions, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone primarily served as drying aids but also improved solubility of otherwise insoluble solvents. However, they also diminished foaming efficacy. Acetone further seemed to diminish the sealing efficacy of active solvents.

[00460] Higher alcohols (benzyl and diacetone alcohol), and ketones (cyclohexanone and diisopropyl ketone) were not found to impart any notable benefits. In contrast, ethylene glycol hexyl ether and ethylene phenyl ether (EPH) were both good active solvents. Though, EPH was found to be conducive to resoiling. Ethylene glycol hexyl ether inhibited foaming. Of diethylene glycol methyl, ethyl, and propyl ethers, the methyl and ethyl ethers had modest sealing activity. Diethylene glycol propyl ether (DP) was found to have very good sealing activity and had good foaming action. In general, these diethylene glycol ethers have relatively low toxicity exposure limits, and increasing the level above 3% is unlikely to yield a satisfactory toxicity profile.

[00461] Propylene glycol methyl and n-butyl ether were found to have modest sealing activity. Dipropylene glycol methyl ether exhibited reasonable sealing activity, but also imparted a noticeable film on top of the carpet after application and only allowed a less desirable foam. Dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (DMM) was not very active at sealing on its own, however, it is believed to aid in evaporation of the higher boiling EPH and DPNB

QB\510009.00717X9435479.1 solvents. In addition, DMM helped to bring EPH into solution, above its solubility limit in water. On the other hand, DMM was found to produce grey resoiling.

[00462] Dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPNB) was found to be an active solvent, but by itself, it did not have ideal foaming activity. However, in combination with modest amounts of DP, DPNB yielded good sealing activity with good foaming. Additionally, resoiling does not appear to be a serious issue for the blend.

[00463] Several of the acetate esters considered (for example, EGDA to Dowanol DPMA) exhibited excellent performance properties. However, it was determined that this class of materials may undergo slow hydrolysis reactions in aqueous solution, thereby degrading to the parent alcohol and acetic acid. Such reactivity is undesirable and could prove problematic in any commercial formulation by 1) failing to adequately seal and 2) lowering the pH of the formulation to levels that could compromise the stability of the formula in an aluminum container.

[00464] Tri(butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBEP) was found to be a powerful active sealant. However, it had the highest boiling point of all solvents considered and was found to be a strong resoiler and produced a substantial smearing effect, when used as a sealant. Also, at a 1% concentration it destroyed foaming action in otherwise good foaming blends.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[00465] The compositions and formulations disclosed herein allow for the application of a decor product to a surface, and more specifically a soft surface such as a carpet, a rug, draperies, curtains, upholstery, and the like. By applying the decor product to the soft surface, perceived aesthetic quality of the soft surface is improved and may extend the useful life of the soft surface before need for replacement.

[00466] The disclosure has been presented in an illustrative manner in order to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure, and the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of description rather than of limitation. It is understood that the disclosure may be practiced in ways other than as specifically disclosed, and that all modifications, equivalents, and variations of the present disclosure, which are possible in light of the above teachings and ascertainable to a person of ordinary skill in the art, are

QB 510009.00717X9435479.1 specifically included within the scope of the impending claims. All patents, patent publications, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

QB\510009.00717\9435479.1

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A composition for affixing a colorant polymer to a surface, the composition comprising:

a) a setting solution mixture comprising:

i) a solvent comprising at least one of water, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic hydrocarbon, an aliphatic alcohol, a glycol ether, pyrrolidone, a nitrated hydrocarbon, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, a ketone, an ether, an ester, acetone, an amine, benzyl acetate, a phenol, dimethyl sulfoxide, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol mono (n-butyl) ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n- butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diacetate, hexyl cellosolve, ethyl lactate, and diethylene glycol mono propyl ether,

ii) a plasticizer comprising at least one of an alkyl phosphate, an isopropylated triaryl phosphate, an alkyl diphenyl phosphate, a t-butyl triaryl phosphate, an adipate diester, a sebacate diester, a phthalate, an aliphatic glycol, an aromatic sulfonamide, and a fatty acid ester of pentaerythytol.

iii) a surfactant,

iv) an anticorrosive agent/pH buffer, and

v) a liquid carrier; and

b) an optional propellant.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises:

about 10% to about 90% of the solvent;

about 0.1 % to about 5% of the plasticizer:

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1 1 /5/ 1 0 about 0.5 to about 2.0 % of the surfactant; and

greater than about 0.01 % by weight of the anticorrosive agent/pH buffer.

3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the surfactant comprises at least one of an ionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a cationic surfactant.

4. The composition of claim 1. wherein the composition comprises less than about 10% by weight of the propellant, the propellant comprising nitrogen gas.

5. The composition of claim 1 further comprising about 0.1 % to about 0.5% of a biocide.

6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a polar solvent, a nonpolar solvent, a wax, a hydrocarbon, ethanol, a phosphorous ester, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol, a nitrated solvent, a chlorinated solvent, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, acetone, an amine, benzyl acetate, a phenol, an organic sulfone, an emulsifier, a water soluble polymer, or a drying aid.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition further comprises a drying aid that comprises ethanol, isopropanol, or acetone.

8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the solvent comprises an ester.

9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the plasticizer comprises an aliphatic glycol.

10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a first solvent and a second solvent selected such that the first solvent aids the solubility of the second solvent.

1 1. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the pH of the composition is between about 6 to about 9.

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12. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a component of a kit, the kit comprising a second composition that comprises a colorant polymer.

13. An applicator comprising the composition of claim 1 .

14. The applicator of claim 13, wherein the applicator comprises an aerosol dispenser, a hand pump sprayer, a high volume low pressure sprayer, or a high pressure low volume sprayer.

15. A method for affixing a colorant polymer to a surface, comprising:

applying a colorant polymer to a surface; and

applying the composition of claim 1 to the colorant polymer on the surface to dissolve and affix the colorant polymer to the surface'.

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16. A method for affixing a colorant to a surface, the method comprising:

applying an effective amount of a first composition to a surface, the first composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of a colorant and a polymer;

applying a second composition comprising a solvent, a plasticizer, and a liquid carrier to the first composition on the surface to solubilize the polymer to form a colorant polymer film affixed to the surface, the colorant polymer film containing the colorant, the polymer, and the plasticizer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first composition further comprises particles comprising the homogeneous mixture of the colorant and the polymer.

1 8. The method of claim 17, wherein the first composition further comprises a liquid carrier and at least one of a rheology modifier and a surfactant.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the rheology modifier comprises at least one of a clay, a silica thickener, xanthan gum, guar gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, a polyacrylic polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulosic, a hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane, a surfactant gel, a polyester, and a polysaccharide, such as chitin.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the polymer comprises a polyester.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the solvent comprises at least one of water, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic hydrocarbon, an aliphatic alcohol, a glycol ether, pyrrolidone, a nitrated hydrocarbon, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, a ketone, an ether, an ester, acetone, an amine, benzyl acetate, a phenol, dimethyl sulfoxide, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol mono (n-butyl) ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether,

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1 1/5/10 dipropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diacetate, hexyl cellosolve, ethyl lactate, and diethylene glycol mono propyl ether.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the solvent comprises an ester.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein the plasticizer comprises at least one of an alkyl phosphate, an isopropylated triaryl phosphate, an alkyl diphenyl phosphate, a t- butyl triaryl phosphate, an adipate diester, a sebacate diester, a phthalate, an aliphatic glycol, an aromatic sulfonamide, and a fatty acid ester of pentaerythytol,

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the plasticizer comprises an aliphatic glycol.

25. The method of claim 16. wherein the second composition further comprises a surfactant, an anticorrosive agent/pH buffer, a biocide, and a propellant.

26. The method of claim 25. wherein the anticorrosive agent/pH buffer comprises at least one of potassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium nitrite, benzoic acid, an amino alcohol, a cathodic protector, an anodic protector, an amine, a phosphoryl ester, a sodium phosphate salt, a borate, a liquid phase inhibitor, or a vapor phase inhibitor.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the anticorrosive agent/pH buffer comprises at least one of potassium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

28. The method of claim 16, wherein the solvent comprises an ester and the plasticizer comprises an aliphatic glycol.

29. The method of claim 16. wherein the second composition comprises a mixture of a solvent, a plasticizer. a surfactant, an anticorrosive agent/pH buffer and a liquid carrier.

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30. The method of claim 29, wherein mixture comprises: about 10% to about 90% of the solvent;

about 0.1% to about 5% of the plasticizer;

about 0.5 to about 2.0 % of the surfactant; and

greater than about 0.01 % by weight of the anticorrosive agent/pH

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